UK Recruitment Glossary
CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
In recruiter context
Each profession has its own CPD framework — ACA requires 40 hours/year, CIMA 36 hours/year, ICE has chartered engineer requirements, GMC has appraisal-tied CPD for doctors, GTC for teachers. Most CPD requirements include a mix of structured (courses, conferences) and unstructured (reading, on-the-job learning) hours. Failure to log CPD can result in suspension of qualification. For job seekers, CPD is a credibility signal — recent CPD logs on a CV signal active engagement; gaps signal disengagement. Many UK employers fund CPD as part of professional development budgets.
Related terms
ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
Software that hiring teams use to receive, store, filter, and rank job applications.
DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)
An umbrella term for hiring practices that broaden candidate pools and reduce bias.
Right to Work
Your legal eligibility to work in the UK — checked by every employer before you can start.
Networking
Building professional contacts who can refer you, advise you, or hire you in the future.