Creating a SMART Development Action Plan

A Development Action Plan or DAP, is a short planning document, compiled by you. When you are producing a DAP you should assess whether you are objectives are SMART.

What does SMART mean?

• Specific – Who, What, Where, When & Why? Write down the skills you need to achieve your objective successfully and competently
• Measured – Metrics and Milestones. Set out a measure of success that’s acceptable to you. What will demonstrate that your objectives have been achieved?
• Achievable – Do you currently have the skills to accomplish this objective? Prioritise areas for development and research how these are achievable through relevant CPD activity
• Realistic – is the goal and objective realistic? Don’t over- or underestimate what you can do in one year.
• Time-bound - Work out roughly how much time you will need to achieve your objectives and overall goal. Consider giving yourself deadlines.

Before you start your DAP

• Examine your current CPD needs
• Complete a SWOT Analysis
• Identify your overarching goals and objectives
• Look at how your CPD needs can be met
• What do you need to develop to achieve your goal?
• Be Specific and Realistic when setting your goals
• Set yourself a deadline to achieve your goal

Your company or organisation may have an appraisal system that covers areas similar to the CIHT DAP. You may want to consider using the CIHT DAP as a useful tool when preparing for your own annual workplace appraisal. Another very useful tool is the SWOT Analysis.

What is a SWOT Analysis?

A SWOT analysis helps you to identify your Strengths and Weaknesses. It can also help you identify any upcoming development Opportunities that you can undertake, as well as any personal or professional Threats to your development.

How to complete a SWOT Analysis

1. Start by identifying your Strengths
2. Next, identify your Weaknesses
3. Now consider if there are any upcoming development Opportunities you can undertake?
4. And, are there any personal or professional Threats to your development?

Once you have been through these steps, you should be able to see more clearly where there are any development gaps in your knowledge, which will enable you to focus your development on.

CIHT Learn

CIHT Learn is our new digital learning platform, created to help you progress and succeed in your highways, transport and infrastructure career. Designed to deliver the insights you need, when you need them, CIHT Learn is about to make learning a lot easier and more convenient for you.

CIHT Learn is linked directly to recording and reflecting on your CPD record, as well as creating a SWOT analysis and Professional Development Plan. CIHT Learn – try it today.

Useful CPD & DAP Templates

• CPD Template
• Development Action Plan Template
• DAP Resources
• Good Example of a DAP
• CPD Guide

Once you have your DAP for the coming year. Don’t forget that it is a live document and keep it under review as your professional year develops.

For more Information or Support

For more information and support, please email: professionaldevelopment@ciht.org.uk