Informal learning counts as CPD - but only if you record it properly. The exact structure that turns reading, podcasts and problem-solving into evidence.
You already know informal learning counts. The question that trips people up is how to record it so an auditor, appraiser or professional body accepts it. Here is the practical answer.
Why informal entries get rejected
Weak informal CPD entries fail for predictable reasons:
- No date or time recorded
- No reflection - just "read an article"
- No link between the learning and your practice
- No evidence the activity happened at all
Every one of these is fixable with a better entry structure.
The structure that works
A solid informal CPD entry has five parts:
1. What you did, specifically. Not "read about safeguarding" but "read the updated statutory guidance on safeguarding referrals, sections 3 and 4".
2. When and how long. A date and an honest time estimate. Thirty minutes of reading is thirty minutes of CPD.
3. What you learned. Two or three sentences in your own words. If you cannot write this from memory, the learning has not landed yet - revisit it first.
4. What changed or will change. The application is what separates CPD from hobby reading. "I updated our team checklist to reflect the new referral thresholds" is the sentence that makes it count.
5. Evidence where it exists. A link to the article, your notes, the document you updated, a photo of the event. Not always possible - but attach it when it is.
Common informal activities, recorded well
Podcast: "Listened to [episode] on [topic]. Key takeaway: [point]. Will apply by [action]."
Shadowing: "Shadowed [role] during [activity]. Observed [technique]. Will use [aspect] in my own [context]."
Problem-solving: "Researched how to [problem] using [sources]. Learned [approach]. Implemented [solution] with [result]."
How much informal CPD is too much?
Check your professional body's rules - some cap the proportion of informal learning or require a minimum of verifiable CPD. A healthy record mixes both.
Record informal learning properly - free log
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