Fairfield School FdA Business: ESPD Personal and CPD Report

This report, submitted by a student, examines Employability Skills and Professional Development (ESPD) within the context of a business degree. It begins with an introduction to the importance of these skills in professional growth, specifically addressing Brightstar Financial Limited. The report outlines aims and objectives, followed by a detailed Personal Development Plan (PDP) that includes areas for development, activities, resources, and timelines. A CPD Development Action Plan is then presented, detailing learning needs, improvement strategies, and evaluation methods. The report further includes a Personal Development Record, detailing activities, evaluations, and areas for improvement. A reflective section provides a self-assessment of the student's skills, performance, and areas needing development, such as time management, critical thinking, and technical skills, drawing on experiences at Brightstar Financial Limited. The student highlights strengths like innovation and communication, while also addressing weaknesses and strategies for improvement, concluding with a focus on career growth and positive attitude.

ESPD

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
Personal development plan..........................................................................................................3
CPD Development Action Plan...................................................................................................5
......................................................................................................................................................8
Reflection.....................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Employability skills and professional development is very necessary for an
individual to have a growth in the professional development. The individual must
develop the skills in them time to time so that they can easily perform task and activities
with full enthusiasm and confidence.
Brightstar Financial Limited provides specialist finance solution for UK
intermediary market and for the direct-to-direct customer propositions, where the
regulations are being permitted. The company has headquartered in Essex and have
three offices across United Kingdom. They are specialist in the traditional and non-
traditional leading the solution for loan and mortgage lending market, renders finance
for residential mortgages, second charge mortgage, short term lending and commercial
finance. The above report includes the Personal development Plan and Career
professional development Plan which is helpful for individual in improving and
developing the skills which are required in the professional career. The report ends with
the self reflection.
Aims and objectives-
To evaluate plans in effective ways and solve the problems.
For critically thinking about plans and idea.
To gain knowledge and technical skills related to technical products.
Personal development plan
Personal development plan is process of establishing objectives and aims what
you want to achieve or where you want to go, in short, medium or long term in the
career of individual. Assessing current realities. Identification of various needs for the
skills, competences or knowledge. It is the action plan which is based on values,
awareness, goal-setting, reflection and planning for the professional development
among the context of an education, career, self-improvement or relationship (Simatele,
2015). It also called as Individual development plan. It can often require for the
requirement of employee's CV.
Personal development plan
Aims and Areas of Resourc Activitie Time Date to

objectives developmen
t
es s frame achieve
tasks
Critical
thinking –
As I couldn't
think critically
so I had to
learn how I
can think
logically
among ideas,
views and
opinions.
Developing
logical and
critical
thinking and
ideas.
As I am weak
in critical
thinking I
need
resources
like tutors,
internet,
paper, peers,
and pen
(Tomlinson,
2017).
For
developing
the critical
thinking
activities
which can be
used have
preformed
activities that
are solving
puzzles and
quiz's.
Getting
feedbacks
from lecturer
and the
senior
managers.
For
developing
critical
thinking I
need three to
four months
for achieving
the critical
thinking.
From
11/9/2019 to
11/12/2019
Technical
Skills- For
improving
technical
skills and
completed
the
Complex
tasks and
work.
For achieving
complex
tasks which
must be
completed in
less time and
must be in
innovative
manner (Rok
and Lebe,
Resources
which could
be needed
are senior
managers,
tutor and
internet.
For
developing
the technical
skills I need
guidance
from my
seniors who
can assist
me and
renders
Technical
skills are
need to be
completed in
three months
time so that
technical
skills can be
learn from
different
From
14/9/2019 to
14/12/2019

2017). online
lectures,
getting
feedback
from tutors
are
important for
me so that I
could further
develop in
me.
sources
(Messum
and et.al.,
2016).
Problem
solving- I
couldn't solve
the problem
so had to
become
efficient in
solving the
problem
along with
quick thinker.
Identification
of the
problem and
carrying out
the plan.
Resources
which are to
be
considered
for helping
me in
improving
these skills
taking online
help and self
study from
library so tat
problems can
be overcome
(Cottrell,
2015).
Face to face
communicati
ons are to be
done so that
I could solve
the
problems. I
also need to
focus on
delegating
tasks for
completing it
in prescribed
time
Two month
time is to be
required for
solving the
problems.
From
16/9/2019 to
27/11/2019

CPD Development Action Plan
It is ongoing process of maintaining, developing and documenting the individuals
professional skills. Theses skills can be gained formally, by courses or training, or
informally on job or by watching other. It is used by professionals formally, and with the
commitment to improving and learning (Dunne, 2017). The process moves from
identification of the individual development needs by planning and then further carrying
out the individual learning activities, for reflecting on the learnings and then applying it
and sharing with the other persons.

Current Academic study:
Review of Learning Needs Development Plan
Date Ref In what area
do I need to
improve my
performance?
What do
I need
to learn
in order
to
achieve
this?
What will I
do to
achieve
this?
What are
the likely
resources
and
support
that I will
need?
How will I
evaluate a
successful
outcome?
What are
my
deadlines
for meeting
this target?
Problem
solving- I
couldn't solve
the problem so
had to become
efficient in
solving the
problem along
with quick
thinker.
Identifica
tion of
the
problem
and
carrying
out the
plan.
Resources
which are to
be
considered
for helping
me in
improving
these skills
taking online
help and self
study from
library so tat
problems
can be
overcome
(MacCallum
and Casey,
2017).
Face to
face
communic
ations are
to be done
so that I
could
solve the
problems.
I also
need to
focus on
delegating
tasks for
completin
g it in
prescribed
time
Problems
are to be
solved and
feedback
must be
taken from
co workers.
Within 4
weeks
Critical thinking
– As I couldn't
think critically
so I had to
learn how I can
think logically
among ideas,
views and
Developin
g logical
and
critical
thinking
and
ideas.
As I am weak
in critical
thinking I
need
resources like
tutors,
internet,
paper, peers,
For
developing
the critical
thinking
activities
which can
be used
have
By
interacting
with family,
co-workers
and friends
and taking
feedbacks
form them
In 2 month

CPD Personal Development Record
Job role and responsibilities:
Development Activity Evaluation
Details of
CPD
activity
Dates Effectiv
e
learning
time
Developmen
t Plan
reference
Key
Learning
Points
Key
Benefits/Value
added
Further
comments:
Was the
learning
successful?
How can I
improve it in
future?
Time
managem
ent skills
15 days Preparati
on of
task
notes,
setting
targets
and
prioritisin
g the
task
(Singh
Completing the
task on time.
It can be
improved by
me by
completing
the task on
time and also
along with
that trying to
complete it
before the
time.

and
Singh,
2017).
Problem
solving
25 day Problem
must be
analysed
and
further
with the
help of
critical
thinking
solution
to
problems
could be
provided.
Handling and
managing the
problems
which are
being faced.
It can be
enhance by
regular
communicatio
n so that
problem could
be determined
and further to
be solved.
Reflection
As I used to work in Brightstar Financial Limited as the HR trainee. I had
performed well in development plan i.e., my main objective was to work according to the
company's target. I had attained the all objectives which was given to them and all task
which are rendered to me completed in the desired manner. In attaining the objectives I
found that I am very innovative and hard working individual which helps me in learning
the task in good manner and perform good in the task completion (Ito and Kawazoe,
2015). The activities which are assigned to me was completed on time. I had allotted
the time period for completion of projects and task I had completed them on time and
rendered them with quality of work. Various roles and responsibilities were given to me

in different task and activities, further I had completed the task well and performed all
my duties and roles in positive manner. As responsible employee I used to take
feedbacks from my senior so that any things which is need to be modified can be
modified and further I could deliver the quality work which is helpful for me in satisfying
my seniors.
For task completion the particular time period is given to me so that the task or
work must be completed in desired time period (Walsh, 2019). Being a good worker the
culture of company is need to be understood by me so that I could work and act
according to the culture of company and couldn't void rules and regulations of company.
My co-workers are also inspired and motivated by me and my working style and
knowledge. Despite all this I need to develop time management skills so that further I
could perform all task and activities of company on time or before time along with
rendering quality work. As time is managed by me I could learn new an innovative thing
in the remaining time so that more and more skills can be further developed and
improved as well.
I had good communication skills with the help of that I could easily maintain the
healthy and good relationship with my co-workers and subordinates. So that I
understand what my seniors and subordinates expect from me then I work according to
that which is helpful for me in meeting the expectations of my seniors (Watkins and
Smith, 2018). By which I could easily maintain the good relationship within co-workers
and employers. I am full of patience, I could handle any critical and worst situation at
any time, which is to be required by every employee. It is my one of the major strength.
At any situation I got scolded from my seniors for any faults I never argued with them
and always try to handle the situation. Take it in positive manner and further work for
developing it and rectifying it and try not to repeat this again so that I could improve my
performance. And had good impression on my seniors.
Once there is situation where the target of huge amount must be completed on
urgent note. And my higher authority was also not in the city. So I had to develop
effective plan and had to take decision for this so that situation can be handle (Rothwell,
2015). As I had a problem solving skills with the help of that I had taken a decision
further and dealt with the situation by delegating the task among the co-workers. I lead

and assist them all so that the given target can be effectively achieved by them on time.
And for improving my skills and taking appropriate decision I would take help from my
seniors and further with the suggestion of my seniors I worked upon it and further
decision is taken to delegate the task. The feedbacks from my seniors will be helpful for
me in completing the task in well manner and lead the employees to complete the target
on time.
Another problem which is being faced by me is that I had to develop my technical
skills. For improving my technical skills I used to surf on internet and started using more
software which will be further helpful for me in developing and improving my technical
skills. Classes can also be joined by me for improving my skills. Online tutorials will also
be helpful for me in learning and improving skills (Jollands and et.al., 2015). This
technical skills will be helpful for me in assisting and dealing with various situation in the
company.
There are some weak points which are needed to be improved is problem solving
skills. Another thing is that I need to improve is critical thinking, as I could have a logical
thinking. So I want to improve this by taking help from my seniors and co-workers and
searching on internet or by taking help from any mentor or tutor. By developing this I
could develop a confidence in me so that I could gain a huge career growth in my
organization. I had a positive attitude towards my work but some times there is a
situation arises in company which let me feel negative about my personality and work
(Ho, 2016). But I need to be positive towards my personality and work so that I can
complete my task efficiently and effectively so that the goal of company can be
achieved. So more number of consumers can be attracted towards the company so that
the more and more funds can b e given by the company which is helpful for company to
gain huge profit margin and maintaining the brand loyalty among consumer which is
very important for company to have a financial growth. I make myself feel motivated in
any situation I couldn't distract myself with any negative comments by my employers I
work with full enthusiasm and perform all work and task with positive attitude. So I could
perform any difficult task by myself which helps me in raising my confidence. While
taking greater risk I developed myself for doing work and move forward and with greater
confidence I could perform the task easily (Ruge and McCormack, 2017). It is also

helpful in raising my performance and gaining the objectives of company to be achieved
by me significantly. I will discuss my all problems with my seniors so that it could be
solved further.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it has been concluded that the personal development
skills are very important for professional as well as personal life of any individual.
Interpersonal skills are also reflected under this which are work ethics, self-confidence,
relationship management along with body languages. Transferral skills are also focused
which are leadership skills, communication skills and problem solving skills. The
individual can develop time management skills as it plays a major role in my day to day
life and techniques could be used for enhancing there skills. This will be helpful for
individual managing time so that things and work could be managed and quality work
can be further rendered. It will be helpful for an individual future growth and
development in their professional career. An individual can become quick learner and
learn things rapidly so that it can be further implemented into my work for gaining and
achieving the organizational goal and objectives. By developing the CDP plan an
individual could develop and improve the skills so that further they can work efficiently in
the future. Innovative and new skills and capabilities can also be learned which are
helpful in the individual's growth and development. The Individual can enhance their
performance by developing the skills. Time management skills are to be needed by
every individual professional so that work and task could be managed by them and
quality work can also be rendered by individual.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Cottrell, S., 2015. Skills for success: Personal development and employability.
Macmillan International Higher Education.
Dunne, J., 2017. Work placement reflective assessments and employability enhanced
through highlighting graduate attributes. Journal of Teaching and Learning for
Graduate Employability. 8(1). pp.40-59.
Ho, J.K.K., 2016. A literature review on employability with diagramming techniques.
American Research Thoughts. 2(6). pp.3771-3784.
Ito, H. and Kawazoe, N., 2015. Active Learning for Creating Innovators: Employability
Skills beyond Industrial Needs. International Journal of Higher Education. 4(2).
pp.81-91.
Jollands, M and et.al., 2015. Developing graduate employability through partnerships
with industry and professional associations. Strawberry Hills: Office for Learning
and Teaching.
MacCallum, J. and Casey, S.C., 2017. Enhancing skills development and reflective
practise in students during their programme of study. New Directions In The
Teaching Of Physical Sciences. (12).
Messum, D and et.al., 2016. Content analysis of vacancy advertisements for
employability skills: Challenges and opportunities for informing curriculum
development. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability.
7(1). p.72.
Rok, M. and Lebe, S.S., 2017. Enhancing Graduate Employability. Academica
Turistica-Tourism and Innovation Journal. 9(1).
Rothwell, A.T., 2015. Employability.
Ruge, G. and McCormack, C., 2017. Building and construction students’ skills
development for employability–reframing assessment for learning in discipline-
specific contexts. Architectural Engineering and Design Management. 13(5).
pp.365-383.
Simatele, M., 2015. Enhancing the portability of employability skills using e-portfolios.
Journal of Further and Higher Education. 39(6). pp.862-874.
Singh, A. and Singh, L.B., 2017. E-learning for employability skills: Students
perspective. Procedia computer science. 122. pp.400-406.
Tomlinson, M., 2017. Forms of graduate capital and their relationship to graduate
employability. Education+ Training. 59(4). pp.338-352.
Walsh, B., 2019. Work Integrated Learning: Professional Identity Development and
Social Responsibility. In Education for Employability (Volume 1) (pp. 177-186).
Brill Sense.
Watkins, H. and Smith, R., 2018. Thinking globally, working locally: Employability and
internationalization at home. Journal of Studies in International Education. 22(3).
pp.210-224.