The Institute of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)has introduced the grade of Member for individuals who confirm their commitment to their own continuing professional development and support the concept of CPD as an integral part of lifelong learning.

This new grade of Member is complemented by the existing grade of Fellow, which is open to professionals who provide evidence that they undertake at least 40 hours of CPD per year.

The CPD Institute defines continuing professional development as the systematic maintenance and improvement of knowledge, skills and competence, and the enhancement of learning, undertaken by an individual throughout his or her working life.

CPD Institute Chairman, Jonathan Harris, says, "One of the main aims of the Institute – an independent, cross-professional body – is to work with like-minded organisations and individuals to encourage commitment to CPD and achieve greater public recognition of its value.

"Given that we live in an increasingly fast-changing world, it is more important now than ever that professionals not only keep themselves up to date, but demonstrate the fact to their colleagues, clients and society as a whole. Becoming a Member or Fellow of the CPD Institute is one way of doing this."