Breaking Barriers to Recognition: Open CPD and the Paris Declaration

Introduction At Open CPD, our goal has always been simple: to make professional recognition accessible, affordable, and meaningful for everyone. Recently, I had the opportunity to present at the EPIC Open Recognition Conference in Paris, where we discussed vital ideas about the future of recognition in learning and work. I also signed the Paris Declaration—a commitment to making all forms of recognition, formal or informal, valuable and fair.

Why the Paris Declaration Matters to Us The Paris Declaration promotes values like equity, inclusivity, and the transformative power of recognition. These values align perfectly with what we aim to achieve at Open CPD. For us, the idea that recognition can empower learners isn’t just a theory; it’s the foundation of everything we do. We believe that training providers of all sizes should have the ability to create quality credentials, making it possible for learners to showcase their achievements—wherever they are and however they’ve gained their skills.

Recognition Beyond Institutions One of the most compelling ideas in the Declaration is that recognition shouldn’t be the privilege of large institutions or formal settings alone. Skills and knowledge come from diverse experiences, and it’s essential to acknowledge that diversity. Open CPD provides training providers—whether they’re big or small—with easy-to-use tools for self-accreditation, empowering them to recognise the accomplishments of their learners in meaningful ways.

Building Trust Through Recognition Recognition is about more than just a credential; it’s about trust. The Paris Declaration points out that recognition builds trust and fosters connections within communities. We see this trust as vital for both learners and training providers. Our platform enables providers to create professional, verifiable certificates and badges, helping build a trusted ecosystem for lifelong learning.

An Invitation to Join Us As we look ahead, we’re excited to be part of a movement that recognises the value of diverse learning paths. Our mission aligns with the Paris Declaration’s vision of a world where recognition is a fair, inclusive process. We invite training providers to connect with us to explore how self-accreditation can elevate their courses and open up new opportunities for learners everywhere.

Conclusion At Open CPD, we believe recognition should be a powerful, inclusive act. By joining this global conversation on recognition, we’re not just building credentials; we’re helping create a world where everyone’s achievements are valued. If you’re a training provider looking to enhance your courses, let’s talk about how recognition can make a difference for you and your learners.