Training quality plays a fundamental role in organisational success. Organisations that invest in and commit to high-quality training are better prepared to meet industry requirements and achieve their objectives. Training providers must ensure quality standards that meet the needs of both employers and their employees.
This article will explain the importance of ensuring high standards in training. It will highlight how Continuing Professional Development (CPD) supports quality in training by promoting a commitment to ongoing learning, provide effective methods that organisations can use, and outline the key benefits of CPD accreditation.
Why is training important for organisations?
Regular training enables organisations to maintain a skilled, effective workforce and is fundamental across all industry sectors. Training can be seen as separate from development; although the terms are often used interchangeably, both are ultimately the basis for achieving overall success.
Organisational training may involve processes used to teach employees skills they need for their current job or are likely to need as the workplace adapts and changes. Development is typically focused on the career progression of an individual employee, and development activities will be tailored towards an individual’s specific career goals.
There are many essential benefits that training provides. Although by no means exhaustive, the following are some of the keys ways quality training aids organisations:
- Core skill development – Specific training equips employees with the knowledge they need to be successful in their given role, and to build the core skills required by a particular organisation.
- Technological change – Ongoing training is a way to navigate constant technological change by allowing employees to develop valuable IT and digital skills.
- Regulatory compliance – Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, are heavily regulated, and regular training helps the workforce stay up to date with regulatory change to remain informed and compliant with the latest requirements.
- Transferable skills – As well as the skills and knowledge required for a specific role, training can help build key transferable skills, such as communication and teamwork.
- Increase productivity – Skilled and well-trained employees will have increased confidence, motivation and perform to the best of their abilities, completing tasks effectively and, ultimately, lead to increased productivity for an organisation.
- Leadership development – Training is the basis for employees to develop essential leadership skills, building future managers and leaders, and improving an organisation's overall culture and management.
- Integrate new employees - New employee training is essential to cover the basic skills, knowledge, and tools needed, and to establish an organisation’s values and goals.
- Employee retention - Employees are likely to feel valued by organisations that invest in their training. This can mean they are less likely to leave, which preserves the skill base and avoids the high costs of rehiring.
- Improve brand reputation – A commitment to training will help to improve brand reputation. Employees will be highly skilled and professional, and potential new employees will be attracted by the access to quality training.
- Increase profitability – Through the combination of a skilled and motivated workforce, higher productivity, and reduced staff turnover costs, organisations are likely to see increased profitability.
How does CPD support quality standards in training?
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals engage in to enhance their abilities and knowledge throughout their career. At its core, CPD is a commitment to ongoing lifelong learning.
This can involve both formal and informal learning activities. It combines different methodologies to learning, such as training courses, seminars, workshops, conferences and online eLearning, but also recognises the value of self-study, peer discussion and networking.
CPD ensures quality standards in training on many levels. Organisations that actively commit to CPD will help meet ongoing training needs by instilling a culture of learning. The emphasis of CPD on individual proactive learning means organisations and their workforce can focus individual CPD on the most beneficial areas and choose the learning methods they find most effective. By embedding CPD in work culture, organisations, over time, are likely to see better training return on investment (ROI), increased productivity, and clearer alignment between learning strategies and business goals.
Furthermore, choosing CPD-accredited training ensures that an activity has been assessed and meets the highest standards, and offers reassurance to organisations and professionals that they will get the most out of any training. Equally, for businesses looking to provide training, gaining CPD accreditation creates a discernible advantage from others in the market, offering a sign of quality and credibility.
CPD accreditation to improve training quality
What methods can organisations use to ensure quality in training?
For organisations to ensure quality in any training, they need to fully assess their needs and provide learning to a sufficient standard. Some core assessments are necessary to make sure it will be effective and benefit wider business objectives:
- Identify overall organisation objectives and needs
- Identify skills gaps and requirements
- Define training costs and budget capacity
- Consider how to provide relevant structured and valuable training
- Ensure training is accessible and available to the workforce as a whole
- Identify how training will offer scope for feedback, evaluation and checks for effectiveness
These initial assessments are fundamental to ensuring learning will be of quality. It is also important to consider delivery options and types of training – one-size-fits-all forms of training may not be the most beneficial for organisational needs. Ultimately though, it is then about finding and implementing training which is of the right standard.
What are the benefits of CPD accreditation for training quality?
A commitment to recognised CPD-accredited activities and the process of gaining CPD accreditation can be hugely beneficial in ensuring quality training provision, offering a variety of benefits to both organisations seeking further learning activities and those providing them. CPD-accredited training gives authority and provides peace of mind to learners, ensuring this meets the required industry standards.
The quality of learning materials is enhanced through guidance from experienced CPD assessors using an established framework to help continuously improve an educational offering. Should any materials not meet the requirements for approval, they are adjusted to ensure the training is effective and delivers the intended learning outcomes. This impartial and objective review provides assurance that the training is well-structured and meets CPD standards, supporting organisations in maintaining consistent quality.
Accreditation validates that materials achieve the qualitative benchmarks required by all parties. This recognition helps an organisation be seen as an authority in its industry. This, in turn, can help with gaining new customers, as the established expertise enables higher value to be charged for products and services, opening opportunities for increased revenue and profitability.
How CPD accreditation enhances training standards
Organisations seeking recognised accreditation can range from small consultancy firms to large training providers, multi-national corporations, conference and events organisers, universities, further education colleges, local authorities, councils and Government departments.
Through the accreditation process, training activities are evaluated against proven assessment criteria to ensure that high standards are met across a number of key areas. This guides organisations in providing training of recognised, consistent quality. Authoritative marks can be displayed on approved materials and delegate certificates, offering participants assurance about the educational quality. CPD accreditation can apply to a range of learning activities, including training courses, workshops, seminars, eLearning, conferences, and educational events.
Helpful advice, feedback, and recommendations are given to support and develop the training. This thorough process gives both participants and providers confidence that training is independently deemed effective, credible, and adheres to internationally recognised professional development standards.
For practical examples of how organisations have successfully implemented CPD accreditation to improve training quality across different industry sectors, explore a few case studies here.
Where to find relevant accredited CPD training
We hope this article was helpful. Established in 1996, The CPD Certification Service has over 27 years’ experience providing CPD accreditation. With members in over 100 countries, our CPD providers benefit from the ability to promote themselves as part of an international community where quality is both recognised and assured.
Within the CPD Courses Catalogue, there is a range of training which has been formally CPD certified. To find out more about a particular course listed on our website, please complete an enquiry form and the details will be sent directly to the relevant CPD provider. If you are interested in offering training courses or events suitable for Continuing Professional Development, please visit the Become a CPD Provider page or contact our team to discuss in more detail.
