Th IoIC passionately believes that the future of the internal communication profession is driven by the individuals who commit to maintaining and improving their skills and knowledge through continuous professional development (CPD).
The IoIC's CPD Programme provides members with a framework to help structure and focus their development. The Programme also provides members with an easy-to-use online system where they can log, reflect and track their learning.
The IoIC CPD Cycle
The IoIC's CPD Cycle is a structured approach to continuing professional development, and follows five simple steps. Using this cycle helps individuals make the most of their CPD activities, and supports them to focus and practically apply their learning.
1. Identify
Users are encouraged to review the IoIC’s profession map and competency framework in order to identify the areas in which they need to develop their skills and knowledge.
2. Plan
Plan which activities or areas you need to undertake in order to meet personal development objectives.
3. Record
Make a record of all CPD activities completed using the My CPD online system.
4. Reflect
For CPD points to be allocated, users must reflect upon the learning that they have undergone and demonstrate this on the online system. Try to consider how useful the activity has been, what practical take-aways you have that you can apply in your work, and how you can further embed your learning.
5. Apply
Apply your learning into your work and put any new skills or tools into practice.
Why undertake CPD?
The IoIC believes that continuing professional development (CPD) is fundamental to the development of individuals, teams and the IC profession as a whole.
Some key benefits of CPD include:
- Identifying and meeting professional development needs
- Embedding reflective thinking into working life and professional practice
- Understanding and driving best practice
- Demonstrating professional standards and strengthening professional credibility
- Planning future career goals and achieving career progression
- Boosting confidence and influence
- Showcasing achievements, skills and knowledge
- Supporting the development of the internal communication profession.
CPD Activities
We believe that reflective practice is fundamental to learning and development, therefore points are only allocated to activities where reflective learning has been demonstrated.
Activities must be outside of day-to-day work, for example attending meetings or delivering presentations at work would not count as CPD, neither would purely networking events.
Our CPD Activity Chart provides guidance on CPD activities and how many points each activity is worth.
IoIC CPD Opportunities
The IoIC offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support internal communicators build their skills, knowledge and confidence, and to help drive standards across the profession.
We know it isn't always easy to find the time, or the budget, for CPD, so as well as training, events and qualifications we also offer a variety of activities to fit around busy schedules and limited budgets including guidance, thought leadership and on demand content. We also provide opportunities for knowledge sharing such as mentoring, communities and networks.