Editorial policy
The standards we apply to evidence, authorship, review, disclosures and changes to the published record.
Last updated 22 October 2026
Purpose and scope
CPD Qualifications Research and Publications shares evidence reviews and practice-focused analysis about continuing professional development. The programme is published by CPD Qualifications Limited and remains separate from decisions about commercial accreditation applications.
Editorial responsibility
The CPD Editorial Team is responsible for commissioning, checking and approving each publication. CPD Qualifications Limited is not a university, statutory regulator, regulated awarding organisation or academic journal.
Evidence and methods
Each paper identifies its publication type, purpose and method. Authors must distinguish source evidence from interpretation, explain material limitations and avoid claims that extend beyond the evidence reviewed.
Review and publication status
Research papers receive an internal editorial assessment before publication. Internal editorial assessment is not described as peer review. If independent external review is commissioned, its scope and outcome will be recorded accurately on the publication.
Authors and contributors
Authorship reflects responsibility for the work. Publications identify the author or editorial team, relevant affiliations and the publisher. Contributors must approve the final version and disclose any material interests.
Conflicts of interest and funding
Commercial, institutional and personal interests that could influence interpretation must be disclosed. Funding sources are recorded, including when no external funding was received.
Responsible use of AI
AI tools are not credited as authors. Any material use of AI in drafting or analysis must be disclosed, and a human editor remains responsible for checking sources, accuracy, originality and the final published text.
Versions, corrections and withdrawal
Every paper carries a stable publication ID, publication date and version number. Material corrections produce a dated new version. If a paper must be withdrawn, its publication record remains available with a clear explanation.
Open access and copyright
Unless a publication states otherwise, papers may be read and downloaded without charge. Copyright remains with CPD Qualifications Limited or the named rights holder, and reuse requires the permission or licence stated on the paper.
Privacy and confidential information
Publications must not reveal personal, confidential or commercially sensitive information without a lawful basis and appropriate safeguards. Evidence reviews do not claim to contain original participant data unless this is stated explicitly.