Virman Man explains how IOSH’s new and enhanced tool, launched at the end of last year, will energise you as you take the next steps in your OSH journey in 2023.
See what Blueprint can do to support you in maintaining and developing your OSH skills and knowledge so you can be the best you can be in your role. Blueprint allows you control over what and when you learn, so you can progress at a pace that fits around your work and domestic commitments.
Your continuing professional development (CPD) will get a boost with Blueprint, which has been designed as an easy-to-use tool linked to IOSH’s competency framework. This is a set of 69 technical, core and behavioural competencies that are vital for good OSH professional practice. You must be able to demonstrate proficiency in a combination of these competencies at various levels. Depending on your specific requirements, you can work to reach four levels in any given competency: understand, implement, lead and innovate. The IOSH professional journey provides a structure for your career progression.
New toolkit: at a glance
An all-in-one package for members, mapped to IOSH’s competency framework, consisting of:
- A self-assessment tool to inform your personal development plan
- A new suite of CPD resources to support your learning
- A CPD record so you can track your progress
- An Ethical Practice in OSH e-learning and assessment*.
The competency framework covers 69 technical, core and behavioural competencies. Members can access Blueprint at blueprint.iosh.com
*Mandatory for Chartered Members and Chartered Fellows.
Make a considered evaluation of your professional attributes by using Blueprint to carry out a self-assessment. This will help you to create a personal development plan that addresses gaps in your OSH knowledge.
Access to a library of specially produced CPD resources gives you the means to develop your proficiency in competencies that will support you in your work. And this will prepare you to become eligible to move up to the next IOSH membership grade.
IOSH chief executive Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher is proud of the development of the professional journey, an initiative she championed during her time as IOSH’s director of professional services: ‘It’s wonderful to see members taking advantage of these new opportunities for their continuing professional development. A key part of our WORK 2022 strategy was to enhance the profession by ensuring IOSH invested in new tools, resources and career pathways for members that would enhance their status and capability.
‘The beauty of Blueprint is that members have real control of their professional learning. They can decide when they do it and have an incredible choice of learning materials, all informed by IOSH’s competency framework.
The professional journey represents a logical step forward for the OSh profession
‘As we introduce a new strategic development phase for IOSH, the professional journey represents a logical step forward for the OSH profession to ensure that it continues to be ready for future challenges as the world of work continues to evolve.’
Make the most of the opportunities Blueprint offers
- Refresh and deepen your knowledge
- Further extend your range of professional competencies
- Consolidate your strengths
- Develop new skills
- Ensure you are grounded in good ethical practice
- Improve your professional standing.
Enthusiastic adopters
People have been excited about their experience of using Blueprint. Here’s what they have to say about it:
‘I found Blueprint easy to navigate and well presented. The creation of an individual plan for progression was helpful. The experience offered more than just having to read pages of content, it was interactive with the case studies and Q&As presented.’ Sarah Dows CMIOSH
‘I think the views expressed in the ethics module are enlightened and realistic, and I am proud to be associated with an organisation that is specific and open about what it stands for.’ David Fagg CMIOSH
What’s next?
IOSH is about to launch its updated membership grades, which are set to shape the OSH profession for years to come. We’ll also be launching a self-serve personalised journey for you to upgrade your membership so that it reflects your level of professional competence.
To get ahead and be ready for this, complete your self-assessment now and start to upskill yourself. Check where your strengths lie and make full use of the resources IOSH has produced to fill the gaps in your OSH knowledge.
It could be the best thing you do for yourself and your career this year.
Mentoring: Peer-to-peer learning
To give your continuing professional development a real boost, sign up to the IOSH Mentoring scheme (iosh.com/mentoring) and gain valuable OSH insights from an experienced professional. On the other hand, consider being a mentor: you get the chance to share your knowledge and shape the future leaders in OSH. Improve your leadership, communication and coaching skills – and contribute to your own CPD. Everyone wins.
Learning: Other ways to maintain your continuing professional development
- Sign up for an IOSH CPD course
- Read articles in IOSH magazine
- Attend an event or webinar
- Watch webinar recordings
- Read our health and safety guidance and research reports
- Read up on topics in IOSH’s occupational health toolkit
Visit iosh.com to see more ideas.
