Members and associates required to follow an annual CPD reflective plan:
Each member needs to Plan, Act, Reflect (PAR)
Self-directed, autonomous, outcomes-based as opposed to hours (certain compulsory areas will still have required hours e.g. Ethics)
Keep a record of the completed CPD reflective plan for a period of the most recent three calendar years.
Submit a CPD reflective plan to SAICA when required to do so through SAICA’s monitoring process.
Submit an annual declaration to SAICA reporting on compliance with the CPD policy.
Why has the CPD policy been revised ?
Explanation from SAICA
Professional development is complex and is based on the individual needs of the practitioner; it’s inherent to being a professional.
SAICA recognises that professional development is an ongoing process where professionals individually and collectively construct knowledge within the complex challenges of day-to-day work.
SAICA will monitor that effective professional development is taking place by reviewing practitioners’ CPD reflective plans. Such plans will demonstrate that a practitioner has applied their mind to their own personal and professional circumstances, the latest advances in the profession and potential future developments.
SAICA will also monitor the progress made by the practitioner in advancing their personal and professional development through CPD activities. Practitioners may complete the reflective plan template published by SAICA*, or they can complete their own plan, provided it covers the main areas of reflection
Why the focus on reflection?
SAICA says: Reflection can benefit individuals by :
Enabling them to think more clearly and holistically about issues, leading to greater insight and learning.
Connecting their more rational decision-making processes to more effective and experiential learning processes.
Challenging them to be more honest about their behaviour and beliefs.
Creating the opportunity to consider the implications of any past or future learning.
Acting as a safeguard against making impulsive decisions.