Continuing Professional Development

All Members of The Society of Sports Therapists are required to undertake an annual programme of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in order to fulfil the criteria for membership.

Why is CPD important?

CPD enables Members of The Society of Sports Therapists to remain competent to develop, grow and fulfil their potential at all stages of their professional life. It enables professional organisations to ensure that practitioners are engaged in activities that maintain and improve professional standards and patient care.

Benefits of CPD

Engagement in CPD enables Members of The Society of Sports Therapists to demonstrate their commitment to keeping up to date with new knowledge and developments whilst ensuring safe and effective practice. It offers Members accountability for their own professional development at all stages of their professional life. It will demonstrate a commitment to best practice which is an essential concept with regard to the protection of the public.

CPD activities

Numerous activities can be considered as contributing to CPD. These activities can be categorised into informal (self-managed) activities such as reading scientific journals or formal (structured) activities such as attending conferences. Listed below are selections of activities that can be considered as CPD. Whatever, and regardless of the nature of the activity chosen there must be clear learning objectives related to the Members professional role and their development as a Sports Therapist. services. Equally, with the rise in the number of incidents requiring immediate “lifesaving” first aid techniques, the Society, once established, also aimed to ensure that adequate, effective and appropriate training courses were provided and monitored.

The Society of Sports Therapists still remains true to those aims today and has made huge strides since 1990, continually striving to raise standards.

Examples of appropriate CPD are:

  • Short courses, workshops and seminars, or similar events relevant to Sports Therapy, where there is an active contribution or the opportunity to question the course presenters.
  • Conferences and exhibitions, or similar events, relevant to Sports Therapy.
  • Post registration studies in Sports Therapy or related subjects, which are assessed and lead to certification such as higher degrees, diplomas, and other appropriately accredited qualifications.
  • Mentoring Individuals or groups
  • Professional activities and meetings which broaden and develop the individual e.g. specialist panel/group activities and practical workshops.
  • The dissemination of knowledge and specialist skills whilst addressing conferences and symposia in Sports Therapy or related subjects. Lecturing (for those not employed as academics) in formal programmes or other educational environments
  • The reading of articles, journals and scientific papers which initiate the preparation of a brief synopsis of the content and how it will impact on Sports Therapists and will affect or change their knowledge and practice.

Members can access further CPD information and templates here