Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme
Section 3: Key elements of the CPD system
This section of the consultation looks at the key elements of the CPD system. This includes the CPD portal and CPD activities.
Elements of the CPD system
CPD systems in agriculture and other sectors comprise of two elements. The first is a CPD portal that allows an individual user to record their CPD activities in the CPD year. The second is a range of activities that can be used to contribute towards that CPD.
CPD portal - Framework for CPD activities
The CPD portal includes a recording system for individuals to record their CPD. As noted, we are not consulting on the technical aspects of that system. We recognise the need of having a system that is easily accessible and easy to use so that the recording of CPD activities is not difficult or burdensome to undertake.
In the first instance, we want to look at the policy to support CPD.
Some CPD systems include a framework that sets out the main topic areas where CPD can be undertaken. This helps to encourage users to consider how and in what areas they can undertake their CPD.
We propose that there should be a framework that sets out headings or pillars where CPD can be undertaken. These cut across the different outcomes in the Agricultural Reform Programme (Just Transition, Thriving Agricultural Businesses, High Quality Food Production, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, and Nature Restoration).
We do not propose that in the first instance individuals should be asked to undertake a specific amount of CPD under each subject heading or pillar. However, this could change in due course.
The four subject headings or pillars of the framework are:
Pillar 1. Personal and professional life skills and knowledge
This could include subjects such as:
- stress and well-being;
- managing deadlines;
- building relationships;
- communication skills;
- first aid;
- embracing change.
Pillar 2. Business skills and knowledge
This could include subjects such as:
- financial management;
- business planning;
- managing costs;
- developing sustainability;
- communication skills for a business;
- negotiation skills;
- benchmarking,
- succession planning;
- improving IT capability (upskilling and adoption);
- innovation and diversification;
- managing staff;
- marketing;
- data management;
- labour law.
Pillar 3. Technical skills and knowledge relating to government, legislation, applications and paperwork
This could include subjects such as:
- understanding legislative requirements;
- understanding requirements of agricultural support schemes;
- training to support production and implementation of a whole farm plan or an aspect of the whole farm plan;
- advice to support a scheme application.
Pillar 4. Technical skills and knowledge relating to farming and crofting subjects
This could include subjects such as:
- crops and soils;
- biodiversity;
- sustainable and regenerative agriculture;
- livestock;
- climate;
- environment;
- technology;
- innovation etc.
CPD activities - where to find them
We know that it is important that CPD is cost-effective, affordable and accessible. CPD can include activities that are free or low-cost. It does not need to be expensive.
As noted, CPD schemes provide some activities that can be used to count towards CPD. These are used alongside a wide range of activities from other sources throughout a sector or outwith it. It is up to an individual to decide what is appropriate to meet their own personal and business needs and requirements.
Within the agriculture sector, there are a wide range of resources available that can be used for CPD. They include use of a number of Scottish Government supported activities such as the Farm Advisory Service (FAS), including both its one-to-one, and one-to-many support. The Monitor Farms Network hosts meetings to provide updates on activities.
A range of membership organisations provide opportunities to develop and improve skills. They also provide information and advice to support knowledge transfer to their members. This might include demonstration events, farm walks, publications, technical advice and bulletins. Advisors – whether veterinary, agronomic, feedstuffs or others – give a range of technical advice. There are a range of farm assurance schemes that help to develop businesses. There is also training and courses with and without certification.
We propose that individuals should be able to use resources from across the agriculture sector and indeed beyond. They should also be able to draw on experience that is relevant to them and their business for their CPD.
Where there is to be mandatory elements of CPD, it is expected that there will be specific resources provided to ensure that requirements can be easily met.
The Scottish Government will consider what activities it needs to provide to support the CPD system. As noted, this will be some activities rather than all of them.
CPD activitities - Types of activities that can be undertaken
A wide range of different activities can be undertaken as CPD.
We think that farmers, crofters, land managers are best placed to know what types of activities and learning styles suit them. We know that what suits one individual may not suit another. For example, a farmer may prefer to learn about a particular subject by attending a farm walk. Another one may wish to do so through a video. We propose that where possible, there should be flexibility in the activities that can be used to contribute to CPD.
We propose that the following types of activities can be used to contribute towards CPD. They are:
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Formal CPD |
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Formal educational activities
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Structured activities which have clear objectives and learning outcomes
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Organised walks, visits and events with clear learning outcomes |
Organising, leading or attending:
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Peer-to-peer activities with clear learning outcomes |
Participation in:
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Work experience activities with a clear learning outcome (beyond normal scope of role)
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Advice from a professional adviser where there is a clear learning outcome |
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Training and other programmes from other professional bodies or organisations |
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Professional activities provided by an industry organisation where there are clear learning outcomes |
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Developing knowledge and advice for sharing
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Informal CPD |
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Walks and visits – self directed |
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Peer-to-peer activities – informal |
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Sharing knowledge and advice – self directed |
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Professional activities relating to an organisation |
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Developing work role – self directed |
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CPD sctivities - Types of activities that cannot be undertaken
We have set out the types of activities that we want to see used for CPD in the CPD system.
We want to set out what activities cannot be included as CPD – even though they might be ones that could be seen to have a personal or professional benefit.
We propose that the following types of activities should not be able to contribute to CPD:
- Activities that do not have a clear link to current or future personal or business activities
- Networking or attending meetings that have little or no relevance to personal or business roles
- Social activities
- Running a personal website, blog or newsletter.
CPD activities - restrictions on their use
Some CPD systems place limits on how much use can be made of a specific activity or activities in a CPD year. For example, a person cannot use all their informal CPD for only researching specific topics online. They must undertake a range of different types of informal CPD activities. This approach helps individuals gain experience in various activities and learning methods.
While we recognise the benefits of this approach, we do not propose that we should use it in the first instance. However, this could change in due course.