Learning that stands up to scrutiny.
CPD points for consultation and engagement practitioners.
Every Institute course earns CPD points, and those points build towards recognised qualifications: the Foundation Certificate of Development, and the Advanced Practitioner Certificate beyond it.
Three modes.
One framework.
Great capability comes from a mix: shared standards, focused support where the risk is real, and always-on refreshers. Here is how each part contributes, and why you will want all three.
Cohort learning
Structured programmes such as the ACCE give teams a common toolkit and language, with assessment to verify competence. Advanced recognition confirms real-world practice.
Focused support
In-house training, standalone or as a Learning Pathway linked to your projects, translates principles into your context: budget consultations, 14Z2, SoCI, scrutiny readiness.
Always-on updates
Role-relevant online modules with knowledge checks let people update skills when it suits: new starters get up to speed, experienced staff stay current, verified by completion certificates.
Why the mix matters. Programmes lay the foundation, targeted learning applies it to your real work, and self-paced modules keep skills sharp, a practical CPD ecosystem that lifts current projects and withstands future scrutiny.
What counts as CPD.
Not every hour of training earns points. Five standards decide what the Institute will record against your name.
Learning connects to live programmes and role outcomes, not just generic theory. Every hour should help you consult better now.
Only activities with clear objectives, effective delivery and measurable outcomes count. We prioritise evaluated programmes, expert-led workshops and structured clinics.
Content and delivery are accessible to all colleagues. Materials meet accessibility standards; alternatives are provided where needed.
Each activity includes a brief reflection on what has changed in your practice, turning attendance into practical ability.
Records are consistent, verifiable and easy to audit, so leaders can evidence capability when committees, auditors or courts ask.
Set outcomes linked to live risks and role objectives.
Choose the right mix, course, workshop or supervised practice.
Put new tools to work in real engagements or consultations.
Record what changed in your practice and why.
Points by course, and by format.
Depth sets the rate. A virtual or face-to-face course carries 30 points, an advanced course 40, and online modules top up between attendances.
Points are logged against your record when you attend. Online modules and the free introductory courses are listed on the course catalogue.
The same 210 points, as a fixed programme.
The Advanced Certificate in Consultation & Engagement (ACCE) reaches the same level as the Foundation Certificate, but runs as a defined four-month programme rather than self-paced points. See all three qualifications →
210 points, earned across the programme.
The Foundation Certificate of Development is the working qualification. See all three qualifications →
The Advanced Practitioner Certificate.
The APC is our highest award. It follows the FCD and is weighted towards advanced, assessed practice, a further 220 points, mostly from the four compulsory Advanced courses.
The Advanced Certificate in Consultation & Engagement (ACCE) is a fixed four-month route rather than a points total. Compare all three →
The problem we solve
Consultation and engagement skills are too often built from fragmented, one-off courses, with no shared standard and little link to live programmes. Records end up scattered, so managers struggle to evidence learning or real change in practice.
Two sets of books, one record.
Demonstrates that decisions are grounded in current law, guidance and best practice.
Builds internal teams’ confidence and reduces reliance on costly external support.
Creates a shared language for planning, delivering and evidencing engagement.
Clearly established frameworks to handle scrutiny and challenge.
Credentials recognised for internal promotion and career mobility.
Concrete evidence of skill development through real projects.
Plan your route to the FCD, and beyond
Talk to us about mapping Institute courses to the FCD, ACCE or APC, individually or across a whole team.