We’re excited to launch the Continued Professional Development (CPD) Guidelines and Directory, a customisable resource, created by our Network’s Education and Training Group in collaboration with the Inclusion and Involvement Work Package and input from the NIHR Nursing and Midwifery Inclusion Group.
Investing in CPD is key to building resilient, capable research teams. This tool empowers staff to take ownership of their development while ensuring managers can support effectively.
CPD Directory of National Training Courses
The CPD Directory is designed to be a flexible and evolving tool that can be adapted locally by clinical research teams.
While it provides a national overview of training opportunities aligned to the Four Pillars of Clinical Practice, local teams are encouraged to add their own resources, including internal and regional training opportunities.
By consolidating national and local CPD options into a single, accessible tool, the Directory aims to support consistent and inclusive development ensuring that every team member has access to relevant opportunities for growth.
Four Pillars of Clinical Practice:
- Clinical Practice
- Leadership
- Education
- Research
Directory Benefits:
- Supports career development across all roles and levels
- Includes national options
- Customisable for local use
- Enables submission of new training opportunities
To ensure the directory remains relevant and useful:
- Staff can submit new training opportunities and feedback via a dedicated submission form.
- Submissions are reviewed quarterly by the Education and Training Group
Guidance for Line Managers and Staff
This guidance document supports the use of CPD as a strategic tool to build capability and capacity within clinical research teams.
- Enhance team performance and research delivery
- Support individual career progression
- Align development with organisational goals
Key Features:
- Outlines different opportunities for CPD; including work-based learning, formal training, and academic qualifications
- Discusses the importance of equity in CPD and how to promote equitable access to opportunities
- Designed for flexible use across different roles and contexts
How can I access the CPD Guidlines and Directory?
We hope this directory empowers clinical research teams to pursue meaningful development, whether you’re a new starter or experienced research staff, there’s something for everyone.
- The CPD Guidance Document is available for download via the UKCRF Network website.
- The CPD Directory is accessible via the UKCRF Network Portal and Education Group MS Teams
- If you don’t have access to the portal, simply complete the request access form at the bottom of the front page
