A Personal development plan (PDP) is a tool that helps you map out your, or your staff's growth and development. It’s all about understanding your current skills, strengths, and areas for improvement, then setting clear, achievable goals to help you get where you want to be. By creating an action plan and regularly checking in on your progress, a PDP keeps you on track and motivated, making sure you're always moving forward.

What's included in a PDP?

A Personal development plan typically includes the following components:

1. Self-assessment: A reflection on your current skills, strengths, and areas you’d like to improve

2. Goals: SMART goals - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound - that help you stay focused, both short-term and long-term

3. Action plan: A step-by-step outline of the activities, training, or actions needed to reach your goals

4. Resources and support: The tools, people, or resources you’ll need along the way, such as courses, mentors, or books

5. Timeline: A schedule that sets out key milestones or deadlines to keep your progress on track

6. Progress review: A regular check-in to assess how you're doing, what’s working, what’s not, and where you might need to adjust