Introduction
Doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers. They all must prove continuing professional development (CPD) to stay competent and accountable. But CPD for MPs and Councillors does not exist, even though they deal with constituents’ lives and make decisions on violence against women and girls, coercive control and grooming.
Who Must Do CPD
- Regulated professionals in health, social care, education, law, engineering and finance.
- Civil servants who must evidence annual CPD points.
- Local government clerks working within points based frameworks.
In all these professions CPD is non negotiable. It is audited, recorded and enforced.
Who Does Not Do CPD (but Should)
- MPs. Treated as self employed, so no CPD mandate applies. Training is optional and ad hoc.
- Councillors. Most receive a short induction covering basic responsibilities such as safeguarding, finance and planning law. The Local Government Association also offers a voluntary development framework. But there is no statutory CPD requirement, no audits, and no consistent expectation of continual learning.
- Political advisers and special advisers. They shape policy and advise ministers, but have no structured CPD at all.
Why This Gap Matters
MPs and councillors are not just debating in chambers. They are dealing directly with constituents’ lives. In their surgeries many hear disclosures of domestic abuse, coercive control, grooming and other safeguarding concerns. Their policy decisions shape housing, public safety, healthcare, education and local services.
Every regulated frontline worker must log CPD to be trusted with these issues. Yet those with the most power over outcomes are exempt
The Case for CPD for MPs and Councillors
Mandatory CPD for elected representatives would:
- Improve safeguarding responses in constituency surgeries.
- Ensure decisions reflect current knowledge, not outdated assumptions.
- Strengthen public trust and confidence in governance.
- Bring politics in line with every other profession that deals with human lives.
The Blind Spot
There is no statutory CPD for MPs and councillors, despite their safeguarding responsibilities.
If frontline staff with limited power must log CPD hours, why are those with the most power exempt? This is not about attacking individuals. It is about calling for fairness, safety and accountability. A modern democracy cannot afford to let its leaders operate without structured learning.
Towards Change
Doctors cannot practise without CPD. Teachers cannot teach without CPD. Social workers cannot support families without CPD. Why should those who decide laws and safeguarding frameworks be the exception?
Right now the UK is grappling with serious issues: violence against women and girls, coercive control, grooming, and the psychological harm and fear these abuses can cause. Parents are afraid to let their children play in the street. Women and girls do not always feel safe walking home.
These are the realities MPs and councillors are legislating on every day. Yet they are not required to show any evidence of professional learning or growth. In many councils, induction training is limited to a short session. That cannot replace CPD for MPs and councillors, which should be continuous, evidence based and audited.
If frontline professionals must prove they are up to date, then the public has a right to expect the same from those who govern. MPs and councillors should be accountable not only for their decisions, but for their commitment to continual learning in the areas that most affect people’s safety and wellbeing.
I Am Preparing To Raise A Petition
That is why I am preparing to raise a petition calling for mandatory CPD for MPs and councillors, with a clear focus on violence against women and girls, coercive control, grooming, and the psychological harm and fear they can cause. The public deserves leaders who are willing to learn and grow.