The importance of continuing professional development by Sam Coulstock FIH

IoH Head of Professional Development, Sam Coulstock FIH MIEP, writes about his experience, the benefits and importance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the Institute’s plans for 2022. 

My background for the last 26 years has been in hospitality, charity and education and I have spent the last five years working in Apprenticeships before joining the IoH in September 2021.

I’ve been a member of the IoH for a decade and a Fellow since 2017.  Gaining my Fellowship was a huge career highlight because it demonstrated the importance of CPD. And even as a Fellow, I am learning more now than I have ever done before.

CPD is the term for a framework of learning and development activities that are seen as contributing to an individual’s continued effectiveness as a professional. Another associated term is ‘lifelong learning’, although CPD has become the most commonly used term. CPD comprises more than just learning activities which are largely associated with taking courses and passively receiving information. CPD takes place in several contexts and through various activities. It does not simply involve taking a refresher course or two, but taking part in less structured, more job-specific activities such as on-the-job learning or mentoring.

The IoH aspires all members engage in CPD activities to ensure that they continue to represent the Institute as competent and knowledgeable professionals in their chosen specialist fields. Members are expected to keep a log of their activities using the IoH online CPD tool in the members’ section of the website. It is the intention of the Institute that monitoring of CPD activities will take place on a sampling basis and all members are asked to keep appropriate records for this purpose. There is an expectation of 30 hours per calendar year of CPD activities.

Continuity is very important when it comes to CPD. Learning does not stop with the completion of formal qualifications as knowledge can quickly become outdated, particularly in the areas of technology and legislation, hence the need for CPD.

CPD requires:

• Personal commitment to keeping your professional knowledge up-to-date and improving your capabilities – helping you to be an even better professional
• Focus on what you learn and how you develop throughout your career
• Focus on the individual, so you decide what, when and how much you do
• Formal learning – courses and qualifications
• Professional learning – conferences, seminars, coaching, mentoring, networking and taking part in working groups
• Informal learning – reading and keeping up to date.

In September 2021, we launched the IoH’s first-ever monthly CPD Podcast called I’m In hosted by Phil Street MIH, where we interview three members from different backgrounds and at different levels of membership about a range of topical subjects related to the industry.

We have a range of new exciting CPD content launching in January 2022. With webinar sessions focusing on a monthly CPD theme, each one will be recorded and posted for members to access when they need it, and online learning and short courses to help support members to access additional rich resources.

My ambition with CPD at the IoH is to give our members access to learning, resources, information, advice and guidance 24/7. So, no matter where you are in the world, what stage you are in your career or what time of day you need it, you can continue your professional development journey with the IoH and help make the hospitality industry a professional career option.

Sam Coulstock FIH MIEP

IoH Head of Professional Development