Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Tier 4 of the Agricultural Reform Programme: A consultation

Section 5: Exemption from undertaking CPD for part or all a year as a result of specific circumstances

This section of the consultation looks at exemptions from undertaking CPD for part or all a year as a result of specific circumstances.

Exemption from CPD – processes and requirements

CPD schemes typically include an exemption from undertaking a certain amount or all CPD in a CPD year as a result of specific circumstances. An individual makes an application for exemption, and a decision is made on a case-by-case basis.

Application processes

CPD schemes typically have an application process to apply for an exemption. They also have an application process to appeal a decision not to grant an exemption.

We would want to introduce straightforward application processes. Details of these will be set out in due course.

Specific reasons for applying for an exemption

Exemptions from CPD are only granted for specific reasons. We propose that the following exemptions could apply in our CPD scheme. They are:

Changes in employment in the agriculture sector

• Starting employment in the sector for the first time during the CPD year – any length of time in the CPD year
• Unemployment in the sector – any length of time in the CPD year
• Leaving the sector (eg switch to other sector, full-time retirement etc – any length of time in the CPD year)

Statutory leave

• Maternity leave – currently up to 52 weeks
• Paternity leave – currently up to 2 weeks
• Adoption leave – currently up to 52 weeks
• Parental bereavement leave – currently up to 2 weeks
• Long term sick – absence from work of more than four weeks.

Other circumstances

• Force majeure – circumstances beyond the control of the CPD user. This could include a severe weather event with a significant impact on a farm, or an animal disease outbreak on a farm.

Question 32: Do you agree or disagree with the list of reasons for exemption from undertaking CPD for part or all of a CPD year? Agree / Disagree / Don’t know

Question 33: If you disagree, should there be any changes made to the list of specific reasons for exemption from undertaking CPD for part or all of a CPD year?

Please state your answer.

Exemption from CPD – evidence

An individual would need to provide evidence to support their application for an exemption. We propose that the following documentation could be used, depending on the reason for the exemption:

• Letter or certificate from doctor
• Confirmation of maternity/paternity/adoption leave or child’s birth certificate
• Child birth certificate
• Death certificate
• Confirmation of receipt of Government benefits
• Letter from an employer (eg letter of appointment, letter of termination)
• Letter from an insurance company
• Tax return
• Letter from tax office that no tax has been paid.

An application for force majeure may involve a wide range of circumstances. We do not want to be too prescriptive on the types of evidence that could be submitted. The evidence should be relevant to the application and provide evidence of need.

Question 34: Do you agree or disagree with the types of evidence to support an application for exemption from undertaking CPD for part or all of a CPD year? Agree / Disagree / Don’t know

Question 35: Do you have any further comments on exemption from undertaking CPD for part or all of a CPD year?

Please state your answer.