Brian Baker - UK

How's CPD working out for you?

Recording CPD activity in a detailed diary on a regular basis helps me to keep track of all my learning. Diary entries include details such as recognised formal training and conversations with specialists from different accounting fields.

I find ACCA's CPD policy straightforward and relatively administrative-free. What I find most suits me is the flexibility to do what I need to do, when it's convenient for me.

It's not just about attending seminars, but saying that, I recently attended a course because I needed to meet a client's specific needs and it was the best way for me to do this.

Any specific challenges?

I find the biggest challenge is working in a small practice of only two people.

It's essential that I'm aware of my own knowledge limitations - I can overcome these by seeking external advice and learning on the job

Rewarding?

Definitely! CPD is the main theme of my everyday working life.

There's always something new to learn. Practical CPD undertaken in the workplace is much more effective for me than learning theory in the classroom, although there is a place for both.

Relevant?

In a word, yes. I use learning at work to gain verifiable CPD. In fact, I use this method more so than any other CPD activity.

In the old days, CPD was very much a tick-box process.

Now, I feel CPD is more relevant, especially when it's brought to life in the workplace.

How do you find the declaration process?

I complete my annual declaration online, I find it easy and convenient to complete this way.

I do it at the end of the year once I have received my renewal subscription reminder.

You were selected for a CPD evidence review. Did it all go ok?

I was initially surprised to have been called up for review. However, it was easy to pull together all my evidence due to my organised CPD records.

I think it's important to keep CPD activity records to aid your own learning as well as evidence for ACCA.