Proposals for mandatory CPD within The Institute of Quarrying

Members may be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken a minimum level of CPD annually

THE Institute of Quarrying has long promoted the principle of undertaking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as a as a way for its professional members to stay up to date with changes in technology, legislation and best practice.

Now, as part of the IQ’s objective to raise standards, its members are calling for an enhanced approach, whereby all members will be required to demonstrate that they have undertaken a minimum level of CPD in order to maintain their membership.

The proposals mean that any Fellow, Member or Technical Member could be called upon to submit their CPD records as part of an annual audit. In order to retain their membership at that level, such members will need to demonstrate that they have achieved a minimum of 30 hours of CPD activity within the previous 12 months. Any member failing to meet that benchmark could lose their IQ membership.

Retired members will be able to opt out of the CPD scheme and the new rules would not apply to Associates or to Student members.

Speaking about this new development, the IQ’s chief executive, Phil James, said: ‘Making CPD mandatory makes absolute sense for an Institute that has always taken a strong line in promoting and rewarding those who proactively seek to develop and update themselves.

‘In the UK, CPD is a necessary part of demonstrating competence under the Quarries Regulations, so the Institute is reinforcing its position, showing that its members are committed not only to demonstrating their competence, but in setting a higher standard for themselves than is required by the law.

‘Signing up to standards that mean you could lose your professional status is a sign of a true professional and is exactly how other professional bodies operate.’

The proposals for mandatory CPD will require a change in the Institute’s rules and members will, therefore, be asked to vote in the changes at the IQ’s AGM, which takes place on Monday 15 December 2014.

Further details of the Institute’s new CPD Policy and how it will be implemented can be found on the IQ website at: www.quarrying.org