CPD takes on three distinct forms.

Learning determined by the organisation you work for

This is known as Organisational CPD, and is curated by your institution to support your understanding of corporate messages and expectations. Some of this might be due to the rules of your organisation, some of it is due to government requirements, like ensuring compliance with crucial topics such as safeguarding.
Examples of Organisational CPD are mandatory staff training, assessment and enrolment.

Learning that is needed to keep your existing skills up to date

This type of CPD is focussed on continuing to learn and keeping the professional skills required as part of your role up to date. As dual professionals, you are not only educators but also expert technicians, so it’s vitally important to keep developing your skills. 

From April 2024, all teaching staff within FE will be required to hold a minimum of a Level 5 teaching qualification. Your organisation can help you with this through funding support from the Welsh Government. 
Find out more about what qualifications are available to you.

Learning determined by you, for your own development. 

CPD also encompasses self-directed learning for your professional and personal growth. This form of CPD, which you choose and tailor to your needs, often proves to be the most effective and fulfilling, as you can direct your learning to match your aspirations and interests.
Before you embark on self-directed learning CPD, it’s important to engage in self-reflection; to think about your knowledge gaps and where you want to take your professional practice, and to refer to the professional standards as your guidance.
 

Action research is a useful tool that allows you to investigate your own practice, unravel insights, and implement improvements that drive positive change in your practice, your learning environment, and your organisation.

Click here to learn about becoming an Action researcher 

CPD is not just a buzzword; it's a lifelong commitment to enhancing your skills and knowledge throughout your career journey. Learning doesn't halt when you secure a job—it is merely the beginning of a new chapter of your development! 

Explore our range of learning opportunities to support your CPD 

Professional learning in education enables the workforce to update their knowledge and skills in order to equip themselves with the tools they need to teach effectively for the benefit of the learner. 

The Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (TERA), Section 5 states that Medr must promote continuous improvement in the quality of Welsh tertiary education and, in discharging this duty, must have regard to:

1. the importance of ensuring that members of the tertiary education workforce are capable of providing tertiary education of a high quality, and
2. the reasonable requirements of members of the tertiary education workforce for continuous professional development.

Section 5 (3) identifies members of the tertiary education workforce to be

1. teachers of persons receiving tertiary education,
2. persons who provide support to such teachers, and
3. persons who provide support to learners to participate in tertiary education.

The Professional Learning Fund (PLF) is allocated to further education institutions in Wales to  focus on professional learning and to incorporate and reflect current policy developments to strengthen the knowledge and skills of the FE workforce.

Further information can be found at Further Education Professional Learning Funding (PLF) AY 2025/26

or by emailing workforce@medr.cymru