ABSTRACT
The development of the concept of continuing professional development (CPD) is discussed drawing links from professional development of practitioners such as doctors and from approaches to continuous improvement as those found in quality systems. Benefits of CPD to the individuals, the organisation who employs them, the professional body they are a member of and the client who would use their services are explored, and approaches and principles of CPD activities such as conferences, workshops, and courses are expanded upon. Approaches to critical thinking are discussed and identified as a useful tool for the practitioner to use when aligning CPD activities towards career goals.
