WIREDGOV

The Institute for Learning (IfL) has published its first report into the continuing professional development (CPD) undertaken by teachers and trainers throughout the further education and skills sector. Following the end of the first full year in which IfL members were asked to share details of their CPD with their professional body, IfL and a team of expert reviewers from the sector carried out a review process, the findings of which form the basis of the report.

In addition to providing high-level information and data from more than 116,000 CPD declarations received, the report offers in-depth analysis of the evidence provided by a representative sample of members. Nearly 600 members were asked to send IfL their CPD evidence portfolios, which were analysed in detail by a team of expert peer reviewers, all IfL members.

Of the 180,311 members who needed to declare their CPD, 64 per cent did so by the end of November and numbers are increasing daily. Fifty-seven per cent had declared by the due date of 31 August 2009. The review of 116,000 CPD declarations showed that:

· an overwhelming 98 per cent of members who declared their CPD had exceeded the minimum number of hours required

· the under-30 and 30–44 age groups declared the highest levels of CPD

· members undergoing initial teacher training had done the highest average number of extra hours, beyond the minimum required

· teachers and trainers have adopted the IfL model of dual professionalism and their CPD included, in equal proportion, activities to enhance their subject or vocational specialism and activities to develop their teaching practice

· 44 per cent had shared their CPD record with a colleague, and 46 per cent with an employer

· 37 per cent had shared their CPD record with both their employer and a colleague

· 20 per cent used REfLECT, IfL's online personal learning space for members, to declare their CPD.

Toni Fazaeli, chief executive of IfL, said, "I am delighted with the responses, which demonstrate the professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment of our members towards developing their own practice, despite the difficulties and time constraints they often face. It was particularly encouraging to note the levels of CPD being declared by the younger groups and by those undergoing initial teacher training – this is a very positive indication for the future.

"Not surprisingly, there is more work to be done in some areas, and the report gives clear recommendations for IfL and its members; colleges and providers; sector agencies, employer bodies, sector skills councils and unions.

"As this is a new process, IfL has chosen in this first year to support members by extending the deadline for CPD declarations to 31 December 2009. CPD is central to being a professional teacher or trainer in further education and skills, and we encourage all our members to ensure that they have declared their CPD before the end of the year."


NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The 2008–09 IfL review of CPD will be published on the IfL website in PDF format.

2. It takes only a few minutes for IfL members to declare their CPD, and this can be done:
· through REfLECT
· a simple online declaration form on the IfL website at    http://www.ifl.ac.uk/iflonline/mypages/Login.html 
· by calling 0844 815 3202.

The Institute for Learning (IfL) was formed in 2002 and is the professional body for teachers, tutors, trainers and student teachers in the further education and skills sector, including adult and community learning, emergency and public services, FE colleges, the armed services, sixth-form colleges, the voluntary sector and work-based learning.

All FE college teachers and trainers working in LSC-funded provision are required to register as members of IfL, undertake continuing professional development (CPD) each year and abide by the IfL Code of Professional Practice.

As a key partner in delivering workforce reform, IfL is responsible for managing the registration process, monitoring teachers’ continuing professional development (CPD) and for conferring licensed practitioner status – Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) or Associate Teacher Learning and Skills (ATLS).The standard membership fee of £30 is paid by individuals, or by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) for teachers and trainers working in LSC-funded provision, as an investment in professionalism.

An independent professional body, IfL is governed by an elected Council and works closely with several sector organisations, unions and employer bodies.

Press office:
Lindsay Baugh 07736 246 697 or 01707 392 552
Email lindsay.baugh@howardsgate.co.uk 

Membership and other enquiries:
The Institute for Learning
First Floor 49-51 East Road
London
N1 6AH
Telephone: 0844 815 3202
Website: www.ifl.ac.uk 
Email: enquiries@ifl.ac.uk