On reflection

I am sure this won’t be the only CPD23 post with this title.  Thing 5 is reflection and this will be familiar territory for anyone engaged in meeting the information needs of NHS staff and nursing students in particular.  I can walk you blindfolded to the reflective practice books.  Reflection is also a regular topic in HILJ with a  systematic review (free online) from Maria Grant in 2007 and others well worth a look (go to the site and then search for reflection – many of you will have HILJ in one of the bundles your institution subscribes to or ask your local NHS Librarian).

I make regular attempts to be more systematic in my reflection but like most am incosistent.  My big hope is that CILIP will bring in mandatory CPD and will help us do this by offering a simple online track and reflect type tool (like pebblepad).  At least that is the excuse I am using today.

Cilip mandatory CPD survey – speak now…

Cilip watchers will recall a bit of a flurry of debate regarding the introduction of mandatory “light touch” CPD not so long ago (including here and on CILIP Communities). 

This has resurfaced with a chance to have some input via this survey (open till 15th Jan).  It is worth noting that input is invited from non members and members alike (and you might win an Amazon voucher for your trouble).

Personally I think mandatory CPD is overdue as is some kind of electronic system for logging it.  I think all professional organisations should now offer a means for people to record their work and CPD activities.  This should then be selectively shareable via a public section of the professional organisation website.  In effect I should be able to present a regularly updated professional profile to the world – through my association with the body in question.  Something like this would likely be richer than most job applications allow and would be a boon to employers looking to get a better idea of a candidate.  It could form the basis of networking and link through the various online forums.