Frequently Asked Questions on CPD, answered.

Please see below the list of questions that we get asked most frequently. For an application form and further information to register for CPD, contact the secretariat on 0207 738 9383 or info@sbid.org. Members can see the current list of CPD seminars in the diary.

What is CPD?

Continued Professional Development or Continued Personal Development. It is the way by which all professionals maintain and update their knowledge and skills after qualification. It is a requirement of membership that a number of core CPDs are undertaken each year.

Why do I need it?

Design practitioners sell advice and sell ideas – in order to ensure you are aware of up to date knowledge in your industry you need to keep up to date with new technology and sector changes so as to provide effective and accurate advice.

SBID is an organisation providing and setting the industry standard for ID – what is your own proficiency measurement?

A very good question! SBID is a facilitator between those in practice, those in or graduated from recognised education and those service support industries and products of the interior design industry. Our role is not to judge, our role is to bring together partnerships to provide you – the professional – with the relevant and current knowledge to help you enhance your industry knowledge so as to hold yourself out as a professional. We have partnered with The Building Centre CPD Accreditation to bring the SBID accredited CPD program. This is regulated by The Building Centre and those supplying an accredited CPD module will have gone through a rigorous measurement system.

How long does it take?

SBID requires three working days per annum, this is equated into CPD points so as to allow all accredited CPD programs to be measured for their individual benefit. So SBID requires all professional ACCREDITED MEMBERS to acquire 24 CPD points per annum.

How much does it cost?

Many seminars are free of charge and just a few attract a fee on a rising scale with the most expensive on average up to £295 for two and three day events. Last year SBID offered 44 seminars on an array of subjects free of charge

DESIGNERS

Do I have to do it?

Yes, you are a professional you need to keep your industry knowledge up to date. You don’t have to attend SBID CPD – you can attend any CPD regulated event in order to keep your CPD log up to date. You may select CPD from RIBA regulated or our own independently accredited system or any other system that is regulated by the CPD Board.

How much does it cost?

Free of charge up to £295 for two and three day events

What do I gain from doing it?

The SBID CPD program is aimed at providing an extensive mix of information and knowledge a designer should know from industry updates. Many things we would expect a professional to already have knowledge of, however we provide direction through a wide array of industry subjects, personal and business subjects.

PIPS (PROFESSIONAL INDUSTRY PARTNERS)

Do I have to do it?

No – you sell your service. However, it is encouraged as a membership entry provision for you to have a full CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility statement) in place and CPD can help you reach that goal.

How much does it cost?

If you are not yet accredited, the fee is £1,750. Your CPD will then be available for you to promote to any professional designer who wants to acquire CPD points.

What do I gain from doing it?

You will be able to provide the CPD seminar for a minimum of ten SBID members either at their practice or at an independent venue. Although CPD is not about self promotion of your company, you will meet the best and the most regulated and trained practitioners in Britain today and presenting your products to SBID influencers and specifiers will help build the reputation of your brand, you will also meet the SBID membership interested in your products.

How do I create a CPD?

You will complete a rigorous measured process; you are not permitted to change any part of the CPD once you are registered. You will receive an independent SBID CPD logo for your website, showroom and promotion material. You will be provided with a official CPD for your registration and attendees will register the code on their log.