"I now see CPD as an integral part of my life": Authorship in continuing professional development

Abstract

The Actuarial Society of South Africa (‘Actuarial Society’) is piloting amended continuing professional development (‘CPD’) requirements. Cycles of work-based personal development are expected to support the delivery of a quality service better than the existing requirement to attend a minimum number of relevant events. Feedback from volunteers on the pilot project indicated that the proposals were effective in this regard. However, it was also observed that the reflective process embedded in the development cycle resulted in professionals authoring on-going positive revisions to their professional identity. Further, that strengthened professional identity might be leading to a ‘virtuous circle’ whereby the professional is in turn motivated to continue engaging in effective CPD. This paper explores this observation and the extent to which professional identity may be inscribed through a CPD programme which facilitates authentic professional development.