Recognising the Value of the CPD You're Already Doing

For many energy professionals, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) can feel like another task on an already busy to-do list.

However, for most Elmhurst members, learning is already part of their working week. Whether you’re attending a webinar, reading the latest edition of Energy Matters, watching an episode of Elmhurst discuss, or exploring a technical bulletin you’re developing your knowledge and keeping your skills up to date.

The challenge isn’t always finding time to learn but recognising the value of the learning you’re already doing.

Rather than viewing CPD purely as an annual requirement, it’s worth considering how these activities contribute to your professional development. Small, regular learning opportunities can make a meaningful difference over time, helping you stay informed and confident in your work.

It All Adds Up

One of the biggest misconceptions about CPD is that it relies on major training commitments, but professional development can take many forms.

Elmhurst members have access to a combination of structured training, industry events and everyday learning resources to support their development.

While individual activities may seem small, together they can make a valuable contribution to your knowledge and understanding. Recognising these opportunities can help you make more informed choices about your CPD and get greater value from the time you spend learning.

Making the Most of Every Learning Opportunity

Getting the most from CPD is about choosing learning opportunities that are relevant to you and your work.

A useful starting point is to consider where you’d like to develop your knowledge or feel more confident. This could be a particular assessment methodology, an area of technical guidance or a subject you’re interested in exploring further.

It’s also worth reviewing your learning priorities throughout the year. As methodologies, regulations and industry guidance change, new subjects may become relevant to your role.

Taking a flexible approach helps ensure your CPD continues to reflect your professional needs and interests.

Put Your Learning into Practice

Completing a course or attending a webinar is only part of the process. After completing a learning activity, take a few minutes to consider the key points and how they relate to your work.

You might find it useful to ask yourself:

• What was the most important thing I learnt?
• How does this relate to my day-to-day work?
• Is there anything I could apply to future assessments?

These simple reflections can help reinforce your understanding and identify practical ways to apply new knowledge. They can also provide useful supporting information for your CPD record.

Share Knowledge with Others

Professional development doesn’t have to be something you do alone.

Conversations with colleagues, fellow members and other industry professionals can introduce different perspectives, highlight useful resources and help you explore technical subjects in more detail.

For example, attending an Elmhurst Conference provides opportunities not only to hear from industry experts but also to discuss developments and share experiences with other assessors.

Sharing knowledge can help strengthen your understanding, encourage good practice and support professional development across the industry.

Remember to Keep Your CPD Log Up to Date

It’s easy to overlook smaller learning activities, particularly when they’re spread throughout the year.

Recording your CPD regularly helps you keep track of what you’ve achieved and build a clearer picture of your professional development.

It also makes it easier to identify areas where further learning may be useful and maintain an accurate record for accreditation purposes.

Elmhurst members can record their CPD through the log available in the Members’ Area. Taking a few minutes to update your record after completing an activity can save time later and help ensure relevant learning isn’t missed.

Small Steps Can Make a Lasting Difference

CPD isn’t purely about completing a set number of hours each year. It is a valuable opportunity to build on your existing knowledge and develop your skills over time.

This might mean strengthening your understanding of an assessment methodology, undertaking additional training or exploring a specialist area of energy efficiency or retrofit.

It’s also worth considering CPD as part of your business planning. Training costs relating to your existing business activities may qualify as allowable business expenses, depending on your circumstances. You can find further information through HMRC’s guidance on self-employed expenses or speak to your accountant.

Whatever your professional goals, making time for relevant learning can help you develop your expertise, maintain confidence in your work and prepare for future opportunities.

Make the Most of Elmhurst’s Certified and Non-Certified CPD

Elmhurst provides a range of certified and non-certified CPD opportunities to support members throughout their professional development.

From structured training courses and webinars to technical guidance, industry publications and conferences, there are different ways to develop your knowledge and work towards your annual CPD requirements.

By recognising the learning you’re already doing and making the most of the opportunities available, CPD can become a more valuable and manageable part of your working year.