RCVS launches new 1CPD learning and development platform

Yesterday, 27 January 2020, marked the launch of our new learning and development platform 1CPD.

1CPD has replaced the Professional Development Record (PDR) as the means of planning, recording and reflecting on veterinary professionals’ continuing professional development (CPD). 

The launch of 1CPD accompanies and facilitates a number of other CPD policy changes, including the introduction of the new outcomes-focused CPD model which was introduced in 2020 and becomes mandatory from 2022. A key element of this new model is reflection, and 1CPD encourages veterinary professionals to reflect on the quality, relevance and impact of the CPD they undertake through the incorporation of the ‘plan, do, record, reflect’ cycle of CPD on the platform.

“Although the outcomes-focused element of these changes won’t become mandatory until January 2022, we recommend that you incorporate reflection in your cycle of planning, doing and recording CPD as soon as possible, and our new 1CPD app makes this much easier to do than before” says Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, our Director of Education.

“Research has found that reflection enhances the quality, impact and relevance of CPD as professionals consider what they have learned, how they will apply their learning and how it will improve their practice. To support this CPD model, which research has shown has a positive impact on both professionalism and patient outcomes, the 1CPD platform facilitates reflection by allowing you to record your reflective notes on your recorded CPD activities, through a variety of means including text, audio or uploading a document.”

The 1CPD app is available for both Apple and Android devices, available on and off line, and through a new dedicated website, all of which is now accessible using the same credentials used to access My Account, providing a much more seamless experience.   

“1CPD provides a range of enhancements to RCVS’ previous offerings in this space and represents an important step forward in the College’s digital approach. Built on the latest best-practice technologies, it improves on every aspect of our previous approach to CPD support, delivering the first stage of a new, integrated, career-long CPD support capability for members,” says Richard Burley, our Chief Technology Officer.

As announced previously, the PDR was taken offline last Friday and all of the data saved in the PDR has been transferred to 1CPD.

The launch of 1CPD also coincides with a change in the way in which the RCVS assesses CPD compliance, moving to a simpler and easier-to-understand annual CPD requirement of 35 hours a year for veterinary surgeons and 15 hours a year for veterinary nurses.

More information on the CPD changes, along with accompanying resources, can be found here. So that practices can make sure everyone in their team is aware of the changes and knows where to find out more, the RCVS has produced a poster for them to download and use in their premises. This can be downloaded here. 

Those with any queries about 1CPD or the CPD changes can also contact our Education team on 0203 795 5595 for more information. To get technical advice on 1CPD, please email the RCVS at [email protected]