CPD in the Social Care industry

Keeping up to date with industry changes is vital for a successful career, and it is highly recommended that an individual should be participating in CPD to maintain their competence and expertise. Career opportunities in social care span across the medical and healthcare sectors, and can include a variety of roles such as health & occupational therapists, ambulance & emergency care services, healthcare sciences & research, patient care, healthcare administration and management, medicine and medical equipment, counselling, midwifery, nursing and nutrition amongst numerous others. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requires all members to complete annual CPD, which must be a mixture of different types of learning. CPD must be relevant to work activities and should aim to improve the quality and standards. The largest employer in the social care environment is the NHS, with over 1.7 million employees, but it is estimated that approximately a quarter of all individuals work for independent social care organisations, including care homes, hospices, community healthcare providers, hospitals and even domestic dwellings.