CPD for Trainers, Assessors and IQAs
CPD for Trainers, Assessors and IQAs: Starting the Academic Year Strong
As the summer break and holidays draw to a close and a new academic year begins, Trainers, Assessors and IQAs are not only preparing to support their learners but also looking at their own professional growth. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential part of maintaining standards, staying current with industry changes, and ensuring that learners receive the best possible experience.
CPD is a professional responsibility for all Trainers, Assessors and IQAs delivering regulated qualifications. Awarding Organisations, regulators such as Ofqual, and professional standards frameworks emphasise the requirement for all practitioners to maintain their competence and ensure that their knowledge and skills remain current.
Why CPD Matters at the Start of the Year (and at anytime!)
The beginning of the academic year is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and refocus. CPD helps Trainers, Assessors and IQAs to:
- Stay Current – Whether it’s new qualifications, assessment methods, or sector regulations, CPD ensures knowledge and practice remain up to date.
- Refresh Skills – After the summer break, CPD offers the opportunity to revisit key skills, sharpen delivery techniques, and explore innovative approaches to teaching, assessment and internal quality assurance.
- Plan Development – Starting the year with a CPD plan means you can set clear goals, track progress, and evidence your commitment to professional growth.
- Model Good Practice – By actively engaging in CPD, Trainers, Assessors and IQAs demonstrate to learners the value of lifelong learning.
Practical Ways to Engage in CPD
CPD doesn’t always have to mean attending lengthy courses or conferences. Effective professional development can take many forms:
- Short Courses & Webinars – Quick, focused, bite-sized sessions to update knowledge on specific topics.
- Reading & Research – Keeping up with Awarding Organisation and regulatory updates, or sector publications.
- Qualifications - Undertake a new qualification.
- Peer Observations – Observing colleagues’ teaching, assessment or IQA practice can inspire fresh ideas.
- Reflective Practice – Regularly reviewing your own sessions and assessment decisions to identify improvements.
- Technology Updates – Exploring new digital tools that can enhance training delivery or streamline assessment.
Creating a CPD Action Plan
To get the most from your CPD this year, create a simple plan:
- Identify Strengths and Gaps – Be honest about what’s working well and what could be developed further.
- Set SMART Goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives give your CPD focus.
- Schedule Regular Activities – Build CPD into your calendar so it doesn’t get pushed aside by busy workloads.
- Record Evidence – Keep a log of all CPD activities and their impact. This is vital for EQA monitoring, audits, appraisals, or professional recognition.
Final Thoughts
For Trainers, Assessors and IQAs, CPD is not just a requirement—it’s an investment.
Starting the academic year with a clear plan for professional development sets the tone for growth, confidence, and excellence in practice. By committing to ongoing learning, you not only enhance your own skills but also inspire and empower the learners you support.
How we can help with your CPD
At SL Training and Development, we support Trainers, Assessors and IQA's in meeting Awarding Organisation / Accreditation Body requirements for CPD by providing structured training, standardisation sessions, and qualifications designed to maintain both occupational and Trainer. Assessor and IQA competence.
Our programmes are tailored to meet individual or organisational needs, align with current regulatory standards, ensuring that practitioners remain compliant while enhancing their professional practice.
We also provide guidance on developing CPD plans and maintaining robust evidence records, helping Trainers, Assessors and IQAs to demonstrate their commitment to quality and continuous improvement during internal and external quality assurance processes.
For more information get in touch or visit our qualification and CPD pages on our website.
