Continuing professional development (CPD) from pre- to post-qualifying levels is of growing importance in social work as in allied professions. Its importance is likely to be enhanced by the leadership of the General Social Care Council (England) and the introduction of registration requirements for the social work and social care workforce. Three themes are linked in this article that are relevant to CPD: the creative use of portfolios for educational purposes, practitioner action research and the workplace as a supportive learning environment. An account is given of how the author linked studies for an advanced award in social work via a portfolio only route with a management diploma to conduct an action research project into enabling and supporting an improved environment for learning at his workplace. The portfolio, as a dynamic record of practice over time, can be developed into a suitable medium for action research. The article draws on cross-disciplinary knowledge from teaching and human resources management. The model that is developed effectively integrates theory, education, research and practice, and aims to inform and encourage practitioners to see action research as an achievable and also emancipatory way of engaging with research.
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