Heather Gray and improving members’ working lives

I feel really privileged to be the inaugural chair of the CSP’s Professional Committee, following a UK-wide recruitment process in 2018. And I am delighted to have just been re-elected for a second term – it’s an honour. 

My ‘day job’ is as the head of department of physiotherapy and paramedicine at Glasgow Caledonian University, where we run undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral physiotherapy programmes.

The professional committee has an essential role in representing and supporting the CSP’s 60,000 members. We provide expertise and insight on significant areas of physiotherapy practice, learning and development, and offer strategic advice to council relating to: scope of practice; education and professional standards; and the development and use of evidence to inform professional practice.

There are up to 12 of us on the committee and we have representation from the NHS, higher education and private sectors from new graduates, managers, consultants and academics. Everyone is highly committed to the committee’s work and they are a fantastic and enthusiastic group of people. Everyone has different views and experiences.

I believe that the more diversity we have the better we will be able to represent CSP members. 

I have gained a deeper understanding of the CSP’s governance structures and how everyone works tirelessly to advance our ever-expanding profession. We have debated first contact practitioners, practice education, community rehabilitation, apprentice degrees, CPD principles, and many more. 

I would thoroughly encourage members to apply for this committee if you are looking for a leadership role, an in-depth understanding of the profession, and to advance the future generation of physiotherapists. 

For more information visit the Council pages on the CSP website. 

• Dr Heather Gray, head of department physiotherapy & paramedicine, School of Health & Life Sciences