CSP Council elects new chair and vice-chair

Their elections have been ratified today by council and they will take up their new roles on 16 November, following the CSP's Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Ishmael Beckford is a director at Vita Health Group, an independent provider of physical and mental health services, and has a clinical background in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, primarily within private practice and occupational health.

He is also an active member of the CSP’s Black, Asian and minority ethnic network; supports students as a Kingston University Beyond Barriers mentor and has previously held roles with the Charitable Trust education awards panel and Physio First. 

Following the AGM in November, Mr Beckford will take over as chair of council from Alex MacKenzie, who has served in the role since 2018.

Speaking about his upcoming responsibilities, he told Frontline: ‘I’m immensely proud of my appointment to the role of chair and I look forward to working with our newly elected council to ensure we deliver for members and the profession.

My vision is that, during my time as chair, council are deliberate in our work to achieve our strategic aims and we don’t shy away from the difficult decisions that need to be made to ensure members receive the support they need, the profession is championed and the organisation is sustained

‘I believe the journey I’ve been on, in relation to the CSP and the wider experience I have, means I can effectively deliver on the role of council chair while bringing a different perspective because of my non-traditional route to this point.

‘I want to listen to members from across the spectrum of the profession, amplifying the voices of those who are not normally heard - to understand their challenges and the role the CSP can play in supporting them.

 ‘I want to ensure we provide value for our members, by continuing to adapt to the challenges that are ahead of us and by pushing to ensure all physiotherapists receive the recognition and reward they deserve.’

Alexandra Spearritt to become new vice-chair

The election of a new vice-chair for CSP Council was also announced today: Alexandra Spearritt, who is the deputy divisional director of allied health professions at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, will take up her new role in November.

Her previous experience includes working in both NHS and private sectors, across adult, paediatric, in-patient, outpatient and community settings as a clinician, in managerial roles and more recently in her professional leadership role.  

She has also been an active member of the CSP, having been a CSP health and safety rep, a workplace steward and a regional steward. 

In addition, she has a keen interest in trade unionism and is passionate about equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and AHP leadership development in healthcare.