An Introduction to your Professional Portfolio &

Reflective Practice

Leanne CoveyDCP Tutor and Practice

FacilitatorHampshire & Isle of Wight

What is a ‘portfolio’?

o A posh word for a ring binder!o “...is a very powerful means by which

educational and professional activities can be documented to demonstrate the continuing acquisitions of skills, knowledge, understanding and individual achievement”

o Think of it as a sophisticated scrapbook!

BMS March 2006 pp223-225

Why the need for one?

• Demonstrates tangible proof of your skills and on-going learning

• Keeps essential work-related samples and documents in one place if you need them for job search, performance appraisal or application for promotion

• It will help you stand out in the crowd• You can be as creative as you like• Instead of talking, you can SHOW what

you can do.

Quite simply put...

• Your portfolio should capture all Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities undertaken by you

• The evidence held should satisfy the various political, professional and legal requirements all under one portfolio

• What does this mean?

• ALL DCPs will have to complete and keep a record of completing 150 hours of CPD over 5 years

• At least 50 hours of this must be ‘verifiable’

• The remaining 100 hours can be ‘non-verifiable’ or ‘general’ CPD

• This requirement applies to all; part-time or full-time

• CPD completed BEFORE today is NOT counted

• Trying to complete all 150 hours in the last 12 months is NOT recommended!

Currently... • There is no formal structure for developing a personal professional

portfolio.

• This information is based on advice from the BADN and other sources.

• You have each been given a CD Rom which has all of the templates and

information for you to modify.

What goes into your portfolio?

PORTFOLIO

CVDiaries

Qualifications

Evidence of APL

Records of in-house training

Photographs

Evaluation of learning

Certificates

Testimonials

Appraisal reports

Who owns your portfolio?

• You do!• Reflecting on your performance and

deciding objectives for the future• Promotion or interview• On all occasions you choose what to

share

Reflective Practice

Reflective Practice

• Is a key ‘buzz’ term throughout the healthcare community

• Exploring and learning what you do as an individual, why you do it and the impact it has on you and others

• It is something we do all of the time, we just don't realise it.

• It will enhance your professional development

• Can assist in applying new knowledge to practice

• It strengthens the link between CPD & registration

• Reflections will form the basis of your portfolios, it represents evidence of competence

• Is the deliberate process of critically reviewing an event in order to change, adapt or learn.

Reflection on an activity/experience(Gibbs, 1988)

An exercise

• You have got 5 minutes• A piece of personal history that will

help people get to know you. • Think of a happy or sad childhood

memory. Can you remember your feelings?

• Someone in your life that has had a significant impact on you as a person. Why?

Your five minutes start now!

Was it easy to reflect?

• Did you probe your mind for the memory

• Did the feelings come back just as they were at the time of the event?

• Did you make changes a result?• Why did the person have such an

effect on you?

To summarise

• Don’t be scared to reflect, take CPD as a positive step towards people recognising you as professionals in your own right!

• Reflect straight away. • Keep your Portfolio updated• Enjoy the experience of the new skill,

it can benefit you in all ways.

Are there any questions?