Guidance to CPD Provider Standard 1
The CPD provider has sufficient capacity and appropriate governance structures to deliver quality education.
Why this is important
Governance relates to the provider’s structure and processes that are essential in developing and delivering quality CPD activities. The areas of governance that are relevant under this standard include those related to human and educational resources, policies, communication, privacy, conflicts and QI.
Guidance
The provider needs to have adequate personnel to provide the education. This includes administrative as well as educational staff. A specialist GP also needs to be involved in the CPD activity, as outlined in the RACGP CPD Activity Standards.
The provider must also nominate at least one person to be the CPD Representative (formerly Education Activity Representative or EAR) and undertake the CPD representative training. The training allows the CPD Representative to act as a central point of contact and to be responsible for accrediting and evaluating the provider’s CPD approved activities. Training for CPD Representatives is undertaken on successful provider approval and then as required to update skills and knowledge.
All partnerships and representative organisations involved in the design and delivery of CPD activities need to be clearly stated and documented.
Conflicts of interest can arise in the context of sponsorship of activities or advertising of products. CPD activities should not promote goods, services, medical devices or pharmaceutical products. The RACGP Advertising and Sponsorship policy and specific CPD sponsorship guidelines are included in the CPD Provider handbook.
GPs are encouraged to provide feedback about CPD approved activities. Where there is concern about an activity, the provider should have a policy for managing complaints. If the activity results in certification, there should also be an appeals policy.
Records held by the provider need to be held securely to ensure privacy. A policy in relation to record storage, retention, disposal, privacy and access of records is required.
Good communication with participants is important. GPs need to know the details of the CPD activity offered, including:
- the content and expected learning outcomes
- any assessment, especially where this leads to certification
- the MBA activity type, expected hours and any relevant specialist medical college requirements
- any specific regulatory or maintenance of professional standards requirements
(refer to CPD Provider Standard 2)
- time allowance
- costs
- details of those involved in the development of the activity, and of presenters or facilitators, especially where there may be a perceived conflict of interest.
These details should be available on the CPD provider’s website.
QI of individual activities is outlined in the RACGP CPD Activity Standards, but the provider should have an overall policy and procedural approach to QI that includes measuring outcomes and reviewing complaints and concerns.
Evidence that could be provided in meeting this standard includes:
- an organisational chart relevant to provision of education
- details of the educational experience of staff
- evidence of completion and/or intention to complete the CPD Representative training
- evidence of previous delivery of education with a minimum of 12 months of experience preferred
- policies and procedures related to managing conflicts of interest, complaints and appeals
- policies and procedures related to managing records
- details of how relationships with external stakeholders are managed
- documented processes related to communication, including website information
- details of QI processes
- completion of application forms that indicate the RACGP CPD Provider and CPD Activity Standards have been understood and there is agreement to comply.