The British International Freight Association’s (BIFA) Young Forwarder Network (YFN) recently celebrated a significant milestone. For the first time, an event in its extensive programme was accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This accreditation marks a pivotal moment in the network’s efforts to enhance the professional growth of young logistics professionals.
During the event, PC Matthew Bate delivered an insightful presentation to YFN members, focusing on how the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) collaborates with the logistics community to combat international vehicle crime. His talk underscored the importance of security in the logistics sector and provided valuable knowledge to the attendees.
from Ligentia who is the chair of BIFA’s North West regional group.
Carl Hobbis, BIFA’s Member Services Director, played a crucial role in the creation of the YFN in 2019. Reflecting on the significance of CPD accreditation, Hobbis explained, “Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the term used to describe the learning activities in which professionals engage to develop and enhance their abilities. There is an increasing expectation and desire from BIFA members and their employees to undertake CPD regardless of career level, job role, and responsibilities.”
Since its inception, the YFN has hosted over 125 events, each designed to educate and inform participants about various facets of the freight and logistics industry. The integration of CPD guidelines and specific learning objectives into these events is a testament to BIFA’s commitment to professional development. Hobbis added, “Our ambition has always been to add a professional touch by fitting some of them to the CPD structure and guidelines, including specific learning objectives.”
The new CPD accreditation allows BIFA to display the certified CPD logo on approved events and issue CPD attendance certificates to participants. This certification not only enhances the credibility of the YFN events but also provides tangible benefits to attendees who can now use these certificates to further their professional credentials.
Hobbis emphasized the broader impact of this achievement, saying, “Hopefully, this accreditation will incentivise BIFA members to encourage more of their younger staff to participate in the YFN and attend its events around the country. YFN events, which are all free to BIFA members, have always provided learning experiences and the knowledge participants gain gets brought back to their businesses.”
The recent event, featuring PC Matthew Bate, exemplifies the high-quality educational opportunities the YFN offers. It also highlights the network’s ongoing commitment to promoting the logistics and forwarding sector as an exciting and rewarding career choice. As the YFN continues to grow, both in real and virtual forms, its mission to inspire and develop the next generation of logistics professionals remains steadfast.
