Continuing professional development: the international context

Over the last decade, continuing professional development (CPD) has come to be seen as an essential part of the professional life of social workers. This introductory chapter of outlines the concept of CPD, explores why it has assumed such significance in social work and other professions, and identifies the different models of CPD currently in operation. A number of concerns and criticisms of CPD are also considered, particularly in relation to: the lack of research on the impact of CPD; the dominance of certain CPD formats and objectives; and the implications of a shift from voluntary to mandatory systems of CPD.