Compulsory CPD

From 1 January 2011, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) will be compulsory for all CSA Fellow, Associate and Certificated Members.

It is essential that in the increasingly important field of governance and risk management, CSA Members are seen as the pre-eminent professionals upholding and practising the highest standards.

The introduction of a compulsory CPD program will assist greatly in enhancing the regard in which both you and all CSA Members are held.

CSA offers a wide range of structured CPD training programs, professional development seminars and briefings, updates and conferences, all of which carry CPD hours. By registering for and attending any of these events, you will automatically be building your compulsory CPD hours requirement. Also by participating in networking events, discussion groups or committees, you will also be contributing to your CPD, along with getting to know your fellow professionals.

What is CPD?
CPD is the maintenance, enhancement and continuous improvement of knowledge, skills and abilities.

Why is compulsory CPD important?
Having a personal CPD program will ensure the highest standards of knowledge and skills are enhanced and maintained in the area of governance and risk management.

CPD is important in:

• educating Members on the latest developments in governance and risk management
• emphasising the need for Members to keep their skills current and
• reassuring regulators, employers and the public that Members have the technical knowledge and skills to effectively do the job.

What is considered as valid CPD?
CSA considers valid CPD as anything that contributes or is relevant to your current role and responsibilities and/or future career progression as a governance and risk management professional.

Who does compulsory CPD apply to, and from when?
Compulsory CPD is applicable:

• from 1 January 2011 for all new Fellow, Associate and Certificated Members
• from 1 January 2013 for all Fellow, Associate and Certificated Members that obtained membership before 1 January 2011.

Compulsory CPD is not applicable for CSA Members who:

• are retired
• have been granted partial or total exemption due to extenuating circumstances.

What is the compulsory CPD requirement?

For new Members who join between September and December, the triennium period begins the following year.

What are the different types of CPD?
CSA has two different activity types of CPD, structured and unstructured.

What if I am unable to meet the CPD requirement for a valid reason?
If you believe that you have a valid reason for not being able to meet or meeting your CPD requirement, you will need to apply in writing to the Board of CSA.

CPD Exemptions
The Board of Chartered Secretaries Australia
GPO Box 1594
Sydney NSW 2001

Before submitting your application for CPD exemption, please keep in mind the beginning date for your triennium period.

Consideration of partial of full exemptions for structured CPD may include, but are not restricted to, the following:

• Members who are on parental leave
• Members who have a physical disability
• Members with significant health/illness related issues
• Members who are in extreme remote graphical locations
• Members who are unemployed
• Members who are in severe financial hardship.

Exemptions for unstructured CPD are generally not granted, unless, due to individual circumstances, the CSA Board decides otherwise.

What if I do not meet the CPD requirement and have not been granted an exemption?
If it is found that a Member has not met their compulsory CPD requirement, they will be subject to the following section of the ICSA Bye-laws 56.8.

If it is found … that a Member has:
…

• disobeyed any decisions of the Council or of his Divisional Committee; or broken any of the Institute's Bye-laws or Charter or Regulations
  …
  the National (Divisional) Disciplinary Tribunal can apply any of the sanctions set out in ICSA Bye-laws 57.

Keeping record of your CPD
All Members are responsible for maintaining a record of their CPD activities.

Click here to access a suggested form for recording your CPD activities. Please note that you must either print the document or copy the file to your computer to maintain a record of your CPD activities.

You will be required to submit your CPD activity and supporting documentation of attendance or completion should you be audited by CSA. Please retain a copy of your CPD information prior to submitting your activity.

In the near future, Members who have attended a CSA event will have access via www.CSAust.com to their personal CPD activity records.

Example of CPD activity to be recorded

If you have any questions regarding CPD, please contact CSA on 1800 251 849 (toll-free) or (02) 9223 5744 or email CPD@CSAust.com.