Skip to Content
M9-Pro-07 Justice, Trade & Work Fiduciary & Professional Services CORE Excellence v2.9.7

CPD aligned with Shariah & professional standards

This criterion assesses the extent to which the organization implements and maintains a robust Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program for its workforce. The scope includes all relevant employees, contractors, volunteers, and outsourced service providers impacting Shariah compliance or regulated outcomes. The program must meet the requirements of relevant professional bodies and regulatory standards while aligning with Shariah principles, ethical considerations, and the specific needs of the organization's Islamic finance and regulated professional services (e.g., legal, accountancy, insurance, healthcare, counselling). The program maps role-based competencies to regulators/professional bodies, embeds Shariah ethics across disciplines, and ensures accessibility for all staff. It evaluates the comprehensiveness of the CPD program, its effectiveness in enhancing knowledge and skills, and its impact on high-quality, Shariah-compliant service delivery. The criterion encompasses needs assessment, learning objectives, content governance, delivery methods, rigorous performance evaluation, and ongoing improvement, emphasizing the incorporation of ethical considerations (Amanah, Adl) to promote integrity and accountability.

Compliance 1
  • Variety of delivery methods ensuring accessibility (alternative formats, reasonable adjustments) and inclusion.
    Training Important
Good 12
  • Formal CPD policy document aligned with Shariah principles, explicitly defining scope (employees, contractors, volunteers), retention periods (minimum 6 years), annual declarations, reflection requirements, and sanctions for non-completion.
    Documentation Essential
  • Systematic Training Needs Analysis (TNA) incorporating inputs from conduct risk events, Shariah audit findings, regulatory horizon scanning, product changes, and competency assessments, resulting in a prioritized gap register.
    Monitoring Essential
  • Role-based CPD matrices mapping competencies to regulators/professional bodies and risk tiers; specifying minimum hours or reflective outcomes, evidence types, and recertification frequency.
    Compliance Essential
  • Shariah CPD Content Control Standard: documented learning outcomes, version control, clear statement of adopted madhhab/standards (handling ikhtilaf), and trainer eligibility criteria.
    Governance Essential
  • Mandatory 'Professional Amanah & Adl' module for all staff annually (or biennially for low-risk roles) covering trust, fairness, and integrity.
    Training Essential
  • Shariah Committee/Advisor validates and annually reviews Shariah-related CPD content and delivery; approves new modules and material changes.
    Governance Essential
  • Vendor due diligence checklist applied to external providers, covering Shariah integrity, accreditation, trainer CVs, UK GDPR compliance, and data processing agreements.
    Governance Essential
  • Robust record-keeping and digital tracking (LMS/LRS) sufficient to evidence compliance with regulatory regimes (e.g., SYSC 5.1.1R, SM&CR, HCPC audit), retained for statutory periods.
    Documentation Essential
  • Partnership with reputable Islamic finance training providers with ongoing due diligence
    Collaboration High
  • Integration of ethical and Islamic values into all technical CPD content
    Excellence High
  • Mentoring and coaching programs for continuous development
    Continuous Improvement High
  • Knowledge sharing platforms for internal dissemination of learning
    Technology Medium
Better 10
  • Performance evaluation using Kirkpatrick Levels 1–4: L1 standardized surveys, L2 validated quizzes (item analysis, ≥80% pass), L3 manager observation/sampling, and L4 KPI linkage; includes remediation pathways.
    Performance Essential
  • Trigger-based CPD updates: High-severity Shariah Non-Compliance (SNC) events trigger immediate micro-training (within 10 days) and curriculum updates within 60 days; effectiveness verified via re-testing and file sampling.
    Risk Management Essential
  • Quarterly Board/SMT reporting on CPD completion, overdue lists, pass rates, SNC learning actions, and budget utilization.
    Governance Essential
  • Use of blended learning approaches and accessible formats to cater to diverse needs
    Innovation Medium
  • Regular review and updates of the CPD program with 'SNC-to-Learning' closed-loop workflow
    Continuous Improvement High
  • Employee involvement in CPD program design and evaluation
    Stakeholder Engagement Medium
  • Learning analytics dashboards and Learning Record Store (xAPI) for personalized pathways
    Technology High
  • Scenario-based simulations and case studies of fiqh al-muʿāmalāt and conduct risk
    Risk Management High
  • Micro-credentials/open badges and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
    Innovation Medium
  • Communities of Practice and learning champions to sustain knowledge sharing
    Collaboration High
Best 1
  • Certification or accreditation of CPD programs
    Excellence High

Related Criteria

M9-FPS-01 Client Fund Segregation & Protection M9-FPS-09 Fee Transparency & Ethical Justification M9-Pro-02 Adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance Coverage M9-Pro-03 Ethical Compliance & Whistleblowing Framework M9-Pro-04 Conflict Disclosure Policy & Practices
Version
2.9.7 2025-11-05

Discussion (1)

Administrator 2026-03-07 11:08:18.903946

📋 **Version updated: 1.0.0 → 2.9.7** **Changes:** Updated islamic_references from mizan-297.json

Sign in to post a comment.

Back to Criteria