BEST LEARNING / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Association for Project Management – Project Management Qualification (PMQ) relaunch
In September 2024, APM launched a new version of our flagship qualification, the Project Management Qualification (PMQ). It was completely redesigned to put inclusivity and accessibility into its very fabric.
Changes included:
• Introducing an optional 30 minute break
• Mixed assessment types (multiple choice questions, short response questions, long response questions and select-from-list questions), to reduce cognitive fatigue and to be more accommodating for a broader range of learner preferences
• Revising the language used in the exam and syllabus (plain, clear and concise English that shortens reading time and removes ambiguity).
Chartered Institution of Railway Operators – The Professional Operators Development (POD) Framework
The POD Framework is a broad-reaching learning system that has been integrated throughout CIRO’s membership and learning services. For CIRO members, it acts as a self-assessment tool in which they can review, plan and target their development. For CIRO learners, the framework acts as a foundation for two of CIRO’s key short courses, as well as forming the structure of the Operators’ Handbook.
The framework has proved essential to the rail industry. As the only professional association for railway operators, CIRO have fulfilled a duty of providing an accessible and universal model of learning through the POD Framework. The framework tackles key industry challenges such as a skills shortage and presence of silo-working by facilitating a ‘whole system’ view of the industry.
The framework has been used successfully throughout the industry, with high levels of returning customers and learners. Members frequently return to the self-assessment tool as they work through stages of professional development; the short courses are embedded within key rail organisations; and the Operators’ Handbook is a key publication that has recently published its fourth edition. Looking ahead, the usage of the framework will expand into new CIRO services, including applications internationally.
Institute of Directors in South Africa – Exceptional Women on Boards Programme
The IoDSA is an independent professional body for directors in South Africa and is recognized by the South African Qualifications Authority. The IoDSA owns the King Reports on Corporate Governance and serves as the convener and secretariat for the King Committee on Corporate Governance. The IoDSA promotes corporate governance and develops directorship as a profession.
Exceptional Women on Board Programme: A sequel to the award-winning Women on Boards Foundation Programme, the Exceptional Women on Boards Programme by Boardvisory is a high-impact, online leadership journey designed to amplify the influence of women in the boardroom. It offers advanced training in governance and strategic leadership, alongside focused modules on boardroom dynamics, conflict management, and stakeholder engagement supported with a Board Coach. The programme combines peer learning, mentorship, and personalised coaching to build confidence, sharpen governance insight, and enhance boardroom presence—equipping women to lead with visibility, voice, and value.
By accelerating the readiness of experienced women leaders, the programme contributes to expanding the pipeline of board-ready women for impactful directorships.
The programme runs over six half-day sessions across six months, allowing for optimal learning reflection and application. In between the sessions there are group mentoring circles each month.
Institute of Employability Professionals – IEP Learning Academy
The IEP Learning Academy is the flagship development platform of the Institute of Employability Professionals, delivering accredited, modular learning opportunities and training to thousands of professionals helping others into work.
Over the past 12 months, the Academy has expanded significantly to meet the needs of a changing sector — responding directly to the UK Government’s Get Britain Working reforms. New accredited learning offers include the IEP Award in IPS for Employability Integration and the IEP Award in Supporting Participants with Complex Needs. These join our core Employability Essentials program, which has now supported over 15,000 learners globally.
IEP learning is practitioner-designed, microlearning-based, and embedded in wider mentoring, leadership, and events activity. It is delivered in five countries and used by a wide range of organisations globally to develop their workforce. In 2024 alone, 866 new learners completed programs with high satisfaction and demonstrable impact.
IEP learning is more than CPD — it is a values-led pathway to professional excellence, connection, and visibility. It helps practitioners meet the moment and shape the future of employability.
Seddon Management Services (on behalf of Specialist Access Engineering & Maintenance Association) – SAEMA Training
The SAEMA Training Platform, developed by Seddon Management Services (SMS) for the Specialist Access Engineering and Maintenance Association (SAEMA), is revolutionising safety training in the work-at-height sector. Launched in 2021 and significantly expanded in 2024, the platform now delivers two CPD-accredited digital modules—Permanent Part 1 (P1) for operatives and Duty Holder for managers and contractors.
This mobile-friendly, cloud-based system addresses long-standing industry challenges, including inconsistent competence, limited access to training, and the absence of a standardised certification. Designed for flexibility and accessibility, the platform features immersive animated content, interactive assessments, and remote invigilation to ensure integrity and effectiveness.
Built through close collaboration with industry experts, member companies, and digital learning specialists, the platform continuously evolves to meet regulatory and user needs. Its impact is significant: over 1,200 individuals trained, with 98% reporting improved safety understanding and 100% recommending the course. Major facilities management providers now require SAEMA certification.
The platform sets a new benchmark for industry training—combining innovation, inclusivity, and practical value. It enhances regulatory compliance, supports professional development, and ensures equal access to high-quality learning. As a proactive and strategic initiative, the SAEMA Training Platform exemplifies how digital transformation can improve safety, boost competence, and save lives.
The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys – CITMA Mentoring – Elevating our member journey
Launched in October 2023, CITMA Mentoring is an online programme designed to connect members across all career stages to support personal and professional development. Developed in response to a 2022 membership survey—which revealed strong interest in mentoring—the scheme allows members to form meaningful connections outside of their own firms, gaining new perspectives and guidance.
Working with mentoring software provider PLD, we created a seamless user experience with single sign-on access and intuitive profile matching. The platform offers resources to guide participants through every stage of the mentoring journey.
Following a successful soft launch webinar in September 2023, the programme officially launched at CITMA’s Autumn Conference. Since then, over 100 members have joined as mentors, mentees, or both—exceeding expectations. More than 70% of completed mentee profiles have resulted in successful matches, with 24 live mentoring relationships and 18 already completed.
Mentees are using the programme to gain support in areas such as career development, networking, and strategic thinking, while mentors are sharing their valuable experience—many with over 10 years in the profession. With a cost of under £40 per participant, the programme delivers excellent value and is now a key benefit of CITMA membership.
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine – Managing Respiratory Diseases
In early 2022, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine launched an important project to support understanding of COVID-19 treatments. As a result, they developed the “Managing Respiratory Diseases” self-paced eLearning programme.
Every year, the NHS faces winter pressures and this is largely driven by respiratory diseases so this programme offers an innovative approach to equipping healthcare professionals with vital knowledge and skills to manage respiratory diseases. The programme is free and was designed to accommodate diverse learning preferences which can be taken by busy health professionals at a time and place of their choosing.
The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association – TB-Ed (Thoroughbred Education)
TB-Ed is an online learning platform developed to address the challenges of delivering high-quality training to busy stud farm teams. It offers flexible, on-demand access, allowing users to register and learn at their own convenience and pace. With a growing catalogue of courses and resources, TB-Ed provides targeted content aligned with key phases in the stud farming calendar. The platform is designed to support best practices in thoroughbred management, focusing on core educational needs within the breeding sector.
