A summary of the TOPRA Lifelong Learning Scheme

Why is TOPRA introducing Lifelong Learning (LLL)?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) has already been in place in most professional bodies for some years in one form or another. The TOPRA Board has agreed to roll out the first phase
of a CPD scheme for TOPRA members from April 2008 called “Lifelong Learning”.

LLL is a tool for RA professionals at all stages of their careers, from new entrants to the profession through to senior level staff.

What benefits will the TOPRA LLL scheme give me?

• It will give me as a registered TOPRA member a tool for personal and professional planning and development.
• It will provide me if I am a manager of RA professionals with a more systematic way to analyse and review the development needs of my staff.
• Employers and clients of contract/consulting companies will obviously particularly value me if I am an RA professional who has become a registered TOPRA member with a commitment to Lifelong Learning.
• The growing LLL record will form an invaluable part of my Curriculum Vitae (CV) and it is therefore in my interest to keep this record up to date.

What is Lifelong Learning?

LLL includes attending formal in-house or external training courses or workshops but is also a much broader concept which includes:
• Being mentored by a more senior colleague in some new aspect of regulatory work;
• Consulting the Internet for new or existing information and guidelines from the regulatory agencies on procedures, technical requirements for filings etc;
• Consulting the Internet for regulatory intelligence (e.g. precedents from other companies’ submissions);
• Reading technical and professional publications (e.g. Regulatory Rapporteur);
• Reading books and articles about “soft skills” (e.g. influencing,decision-making, negotiations) and management;
• Preparation of presentations;
• Preparation of publications;
• E learning;
• Work-based projects and short term role/department attachments;
• Non work-related activities such as voluntary work or coaching a team etc. especially when working on interpersonal or leadership skill areas;
• Attending TOPRA Working Party or Committee meetings to plan training courses or conferences;
• Attending industry or agency working party meetings; and
• Being coached.

How much time should I spend on LLL per year?

TOPRA recommends that 50 - 100 hours of all types of LLL per year would be a reasonable target. As TOPRA's LLL scheme started in April, for the remainder of 2008 you would have to complete 50 hours of all types of LLL.

What do I need to do to meet the TOPRA LLL requirements?

• Define my development needs based on a personal plan (a Professional Learning Plan);
• Write down my proposed LLL Programme to meet the objectives of the Plan, and keep this under review as I go through the year;
• Record all of my key individual elements of Lifelong Learning as I go through the year, either on paper or on a computer record;

TOPRA has developed a Lifelong Learning Log to enable you to keep a record. To download this form click here. To assist you in completing this log, you can view a completed Log here.

Where can I get further information and advice on Lifelong Learning?

Useful links can be found at the bottom of this page.

There is also an E-mail Helpline for further information and advice. Please send your questions to lifelonglearning@topra.org

Disclaimer

Please note: this is a new TOPRA Member Service and although TOPRA makes every effort to provide its members with the highest standards of service, TOPRA is always looking to improve where necessary. Should you have any suggestions or comments, please contact TOPRA Lifelong Learning on lifelonglearning@topra.org