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Funding our professional networks

Following changes to the way the CSP supports professional networks financially, we take a look at some of the work that has resulted

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Advice Clinic: Funding our professional networks [PM Images]

Earlier this year the CSP set out the changes to the funding provided for recognised professional networks (PNs. As a result, we moved from allocating the PNs an annual amount of £2 per member, to a process where the networks bid for funding for specific projects. The total amount awarded by the CSP remains the same. 

Over these pages we outline some of the tangible pieces of work now being funded through the scheme. 

The driver for the change in PN funding was that the available money for PN activity wasn’t always being used directly for the benefits of PN members and ultimately, their service users and clients. 

Since then, the professional networks have taken part in two rounds of funding. In the first round, eight professional networks sent in their bids.

After assessment by the CSP, four of the bids were successful and were awarded the money they requested. Of the total £56,000 available, £26,000 was awarded in the first round to: 

The second funding round for 2019 is now being evaluated. Eleven professional networks have submitted project applications, and further funding will have been allocated by the time you read this. 

The CSP is committed to continuing to collaborate with all professional networks about the new process into next year, starting with an evaluation early in 2020 in advance of further funding rounds. 

We believe that the opportunities now available to the networks offer members at all levels the ability to engage with and benefit from the projects carried out, to directly influence and improve professional life and practice.

All of the successful projects will be publicised in CSP media as they progress. 

All of the funded PNs have provided updates on their projects:

Vice-chair of the ACPRC, Ema Swngwood’s said: ‘The CSP PN funding has enabled us to accelerate and widen education opportunities for our members. Earlier in the year, we held our biennial conference where we recorded all of the presentations… we also completed recorded discussions with key speakers, which have been edited into podcasts. These will all be available to members on our website.  Moving forwards our list of short courses for 2019/20 is growing...watch this space.’

MACP chair Nicola Heneghan said: 

‘To date a task group has been formed to include key stakeholders including academics, clinicians and mentors, and a project lead recruited. Experts from a wider stakeholder group will be involved at key stages to inform project management with a first meeting likely at the Physiotherapy UK conference.’

Jane Burridge, president of ACPIN:

‘Progress so far has included a systematic review, which will be published, and a qualitative study with patient focus 
groups and which is planned to include interviews with researchers, healthcare managers and providers, and the commercial sector.’ 

Kate Lough and Claire Brown, on behalf of POGP: ‘The funding has allowed the pessary guideline group to reach many networks and cover the costs that these institutions put on contacting their members. This will enable us to get a good representation of the current pessary work undertaken ... the next step is a document development day on 11 November to complete the first draft of the guideline.

This link  will take CSP members to our online questionnaire. Even if members are not involved directly with pessary care, we would find their participation helpful’

  • Jenny Nissler is a CSP professional adviser. Her remit includes liaising with the CSP professional networks

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