We are the CSP – we are at ARC!

By voting on motions, delegates advise CSP Council on future policies and campaigns.  Find out from our article 'Annual Representative Conference: what it means for you' for how this democratic process works.

But who are the voting delegates, and how can you get involved for next time?   

Each year, motions and delegates are sent to our annual democratic forum by the following volunteer-led networks. Each of these networks are run by members, offering you plenty of opportunities to get involved in your workplace or local area – search the CSP website for how to get involved in each.

• The National Groups of Regional Stewards and Regional Safety Reps, which connect members in the workplace

  

  to ARC.   Our stewards and safety reps work with members to identify issues you collectively want the CSP to act upon. Your trade union reps then share these with other reps in their region, and where there is broad agreement the issues may be raised at ARC as motions. When not influencing CSP policy, our union reps organise, support and represent fellow members at work – working with you to make your employment safer, more enjoyable, and better rewarded. ‘ARC is important to members, as the conference allows us to reach an understanding of the direction of working conditions, rights and other inevitable changes in the world of healthcare,’ says Ben Randall, CSP steward, Kent ‘ARC is a safe space to debate issues and for views to be expressed. It helps members shape change and helps to move the profession forward,’ says Nkechi Nwofor, CSP steward, Midlands.
• The CSP’s professional networks, which are self-governing bodies recognised by the CSP as experts in a specific

  

  area of practice.  They may provide a forum to pursue clinical excellence, identify and organise training, and support the CSP in responding to government and healthcare institutions.  
• Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales country boards, and the 10 regional networks. These networks influence stakeholders and give members the opportunity to meet others from their region via events and networking opportunities.  
• Student representatives, who volunteer their time to take forward the student voice in the CSP. By raising issues concerning their peers, reps enable us to work effectively with and on behalf of our student members.
• The Associates’ network, which contributes knowledge and expertise to CSP initiatives developing the physiotherapy support worker role. The network also provides associate and student associate members with information and resources to support them in their role. ‘I’m attending to share a collective opinion from our members, driving change for our profession. I’ll be raising the profile of associate members, how important their development is for the future of our workforce and the vital role we play in patient care,’ says Becca Bambridge, Associates network communications officer.
• Each of the CSP’s three diversity networks – DisAbility; Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic; and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual+. These networks seek to address discrimination at work and in society. They are open to all members, and membership is confidential.
• The Retirement Association is an open network for retired members – chartered physiotherapists and associate – to stay in touch with each other and the profession.