providing evidence. They are an easy way of showing that you attended a certain sporting event, for example, especially if you have proof that the evidence is current, perhaps by including backgrounds that can demonstrate where you were and when you were there. It is pretty pointless submitting a photo of a messy dressing-room that could have been taken anywhere if you are claiming to have worked at the Olympics. You might also onsider combining your photographic evidence with some statement from the head physiotherapist or coach saying how well you performed. Remember at all times to preserve the rights of the clients featured in your photographs. What goes in your portfolio: Printed photographs preferably taken with a digital camera that displays the time and date, and (if possible) a letter or written statement from another colleague or health professional describing your performance.

Theory tests and exam papers Test and exam papers can prove your knowledge or understanding on a subject but they won’t always cover the depth and breadth of the required criteria. Therefore extra evidence will sometimes be required. Test papers are not for everyone, of course, and even the mention of them can send the most competent of people into “stress mode”. Some people simply don’t do well in formal test situations. What goes in your portfolio: Evidence that you sat the test or exam, such as the test paper and the answers, if possible (hopefully with lots of ticks).

Past experiences and achievements The assessor may take into account your past experiences and achievements. Bear in mind that sometimes it is easier and quicker to obtain new evidence rather than trying to pick and match to specific standards. Achievements within the last two years are generally classed as current, but for anything prior probably won't count. You may have to supply additional evidence that is more up to date. What goes in your portfolio: Any supporting documentation of experience and achievements within the previous two years.

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A CPD WORKSHOP IS NOT A QUALIFICATION

Preparing a presentation for a peer-attended conference The preparation and presentation of material for courses, conferences, workshops and seminars can be claimed as CDP. These activities advance the skills and knowledge- related competencies of other people and encourage their development. They attend to learn something. If you create a presentation, it does not need to be about functional or skill-related topics. It may include both technical and non- technical material such as business skills, health and safety, professionalism and the law, or anything that enables the sports therapy practitioner to do his or her job. By their very nature, these presentations bring about sharing of information as well as promoting professional discussion amongst peers. Thus they are excellent for demonstrating your competence at managing a professional discussion and answering questions on the spot. Having to apply your knowledge and understanding to fresh scenarios that arise this way reveals than you have a deep (rather than superficial) understanding about a subject. What goes in your portfolio: Documents that support your official engagement as a presenter and show where and when the presentation was carried out, as well as its subject matter. Also include samples of your teaching material and delegate feedback forms if possible.

Getting something published The time spent in the preparation of a paper that is published in a peer- reviewed journal can be claimed as CPD. Original articles, case reports and subject reviews all contribute to and can influence current professional knowledge and practice. Writing an article for sportEx qualifies as CPD too, obviously, and getting published is an excellent way of producing authenticated evidence, as well as helping your peers to gain some CPD points for themselves. Preparing an article or a chapter for a multi- authored textbook demands an indepth study of the subject you are focusing on, requiring you to carry out specific research and critical review

or analysis. Writing the article itself shows your ability to link learning to theory or practice and that you can apply or compare new ideas and theories to current practice. Research and reflective practice are inextricably linked, and a good practitioner is an evidence-based practitioner. Competence at this level involves having sufficient confidence in your knowledge and skills to challenge or change practice or try something different.

What goes in your portfolio: A photocopy of the publication itself or a reprint from the publisher.

CONCLUSION

The categories of appropriate evidence listed here is by no means exhaustive. Almost anything can be used as evidence as long as it supports how your CPD has changed, increased, enhanced or influenced you in certain key areas, namely yourr knowledge base, skills and practice. If you want your CPD to support membership of a professional body, remember that they may stipulate specific boundaries that either enhance or increase your scope of practise. In this case, one piece of evidence may not be enough – multiple forms may be necessary. It is up to you to ultimately to ensure that you can “Prove it”.

RELATED ARTICLES Baron E. Part 1: Prove it! Evidencing your CPD. sportEX dynamics 2010;24(Apr):24–26 Bramah B. Don’t be afraid of CPD. sportEX dynamics 2010;23(Jan):14–18

TEST YOUR LEARNING

THE AUTHOR

Eileen Baron has a first class honours degree in education. She has worked within education for 12 years teaching health, fitness, sports science, anatomy and physiology and sports massage. She is the development officer (Sports and Active Leisure) for VTCT, and she is a board member of the Sports Massage Association. In her spare time she runs a private clinic.

sportEX dynamics 2010;25(Jul):17-20

n To ‘prove it’ can seem a daunting paperchasing exercise, but can you think of ways to make it easier for yourself?

n Can you devise an effective system for filing evidence as you collect it?