Professional portfolios: evidencing best practice

Author(s): J. Ellis - Pages: 31–37

Abstract

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) maintains a register of healthcare professionals in the UK. Registrants are required to demonstrate that they meet the HCPC’s standards, which include engaging with continuing professional development (CPD). This system requires all allied health professionals to maintain profiles, more commonly known as portfolios, that evidence their CPD activity. These are assessed according to set standards. It is essential that a portfolio reflects the standards of proficiency expected of a health professional, and demonstrates the knowledge, understanding and skills required for evolving scope of practice. This paper discusses engagement with CPD, electronic and online resources, building a portfolio, and the information that the HCPC expects to find included in it.

Keywords: best practice, continuing professional development, evidence, professional portfolios.