Page 17 - SyI-Annual-Report

Our Professional Development Platform (PDP) is a self-help tool available to all members, containing a library
of resources that aid career progression and ensure that our Members’ are best prepared for success within the
workplace. It includes thousands of resources, which are available in a wide range of forms such as articles, videos and
interactive tools.

The platform is accessible through the Members’ Area of our website and our mobile app. It is a great tool that allows
CPD to be completed at our Members’ convenience, whether that be whilst on the move or from the comfort of their
own home.

2019 was another year of increased usage for our Professional Development Platform, the number of members that had
utilised this member benefit and registered for the platform had increased from 633 to 716 in 2019, which represents
a growth of 13%. In addition, the number of activities completed by Members increased by 23% from 2018 with a total
of 5,037 completed in 2019. Based on the data from the first 3 months of 2020 this growth is set to be even greater, as
2,444 activities have been completed in the first 3 months of 2020 alone.

As our membership varies vastly in terms of their experience and the challenges that they face in the workplace, our
platform reflects that through the diversity of content available. This means that Members can access the necessary
support to best approach their current challenge, whether that be advice for successful a job hunt, tips for people
management or guidance for making the most of retirement. The platform also includes: Career Assessments, a Career
Planner, an Elevator Pitch Builder and an Interview Simulator.

In the past year, there have been some significant additions to the platform aiming to improve the support offered to
Members. Firstly, the platform now has an improved Accessibility Service. This includes features such as improved 200%
zoom, the ability to adjust colour/contrast levels and the ability to listen to all content, these measures help ensure the
platform is accessible to all members regardless of ability or situation. Professional Development Platform

We launched the ‘Programmes’, which provide guides on how best to approach different challenges by collating all the
relevant resources for one topic in one convenient location. This includes a specially created ‘Students Programme’,
which was designed based on feedback given by Student members. The programme provides support for before, during
and after completing a qualification, with the aim of enhancing their membership experience and to ensure they can
gain the most out of their studies ready for the world of work.

In early April 2020, we also launched a ‘Covid-19 Online Rescue Pack’ that contains a range of resources that provide
guidance for professionals adapting to the current coronavirus outbreak. This includes courses that outline best practise
for working from home, advise for working as a remote team as well as recommendations to help cope with change in
the workplace.

Figures for 2019

716 2,131 5,037

users logins activities

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