What is CPD and Why Does It Matter For Professionals?

Many professionals will have heard the term CPD, but what does it mean and why is it important? 

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development, which is about keeping your skills, knowledge and experience up-to-date in order to progress in your career. CPD is something that goes alongside your day-to-day work, by upskilling yourself in many different ways including.

• Attending courses or workshops
• Gaining certifications (such as CMI/ ILM)
• Attending webinars
• Going to conferences
• Networking

At Salford Professional Development, we specialise in delivering CPD that’s designed for a wide range of industries, whether you’re in healthcare, education, work for an SME or a large corporate organisation. 

How Important is CPD?

In today’s ever-changing professional landscape, refusing to learn and grow isn’t really an option. Industries are evolving, technologies are advancing, and expectations are rising. CPD helps you stay ahead of the curve, while also boosting your confidence and employability.

Here’s why CPD is essential in 2025:

1. It future-proofs your skillset

New tools, policies and practices are constantly emerging. CPD ensures you're not left behind and that your knowledge is aligned with the latest industry standards.

2. It shows employers you’re proactive

Hiring managers don’t just look at your experience, they want to see that you’re committed to learning and development. A CPD course on your CV or LinkedIn profile instantly signals that you’re invested in your profession.

3. It can unlock new opportunities

Whether you’re going for a promotion, changing sectors or aiming to lead, CPD can give you a competitive edge. Many of our learners at SPD use our courses to bridge gaps in knowledge that help them step into bigger roles.

4. It’s a requirement

For professionals in areas like teaching, social care, healthcare or law, CPD isn’t optional it’s a requirement. But even in sectors where it’s not mandatory, it's increasingly seen as best practice.

CPD at SPD

At SPD, we offer over many short courses designed to aid your development. This includes:

• Courses built by expert tutors and tailored to your needs
• Flexible formats including online, face-to-face, or hybrid
• Recognised CPD certification you can use as evidence of development
• Certifications and diplomas by accredited bodies such as the CMI and ILM
• Key takeaways you can apply in your role immediately.

From Mental Health or AI to Leadership and Resilience, our courses are ideal for professionals who want to grow within their career.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re curious about what CPD could do for your career, take a look at our full course list here. Whether you’re looking to develop your skills, take a new step in your career or expand your knowledge we have a range of courses for you.