CSP comments on higher education student finance

Professor Karen Middleton, chief executive of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, said:

‘The government has made a number of key concessions, as a result of strong calls from the CSP and other professional bodies, which are to be welcomed.

‘In particular; financial support for students in meeting the additional travel and accommodation costs that come with placements and for those with dependents, confirmation that students undertaking a second undergraduate degree will be eligible for a second loan and the continuation of bursaries for postgraduate students entering training in 2017/18. 

‘However, a number of questions remain on the long-term funding of postgraduate places and how the government will work with professional bodies and education providers to deliver the 10,000 training places it has promised. There is already a shortage of physiotherapists in some areas of the UK and our workforce data model shows that an extra 500 are needed each year.

‘We are committed to keeping a watchful eye on these reforms; and expect to be fully consulted and involved in the progression of them. This includes the areas on which more detailed plans are due to be shared in the autumn, and the new funding arrangements to support universities’ delivery of physiotherapy and other healthcare degrees.

‘When workforce supply is falling short of demand, the quality of education is compromised or parts of our society are shut out from training, we will speak up.’

Note to editors

For further media information about the CSP please call the CSP press office on 020 7306 1111, email pressoffice@csp.org.uk. Out of hours please call Jon Ryan, head of press and PR, on 07917 091200, or Ben Wealthy, senior media adviser, on 07771 765172.

1. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the UK’s professional, educational and trade union body. We have more than 52,000 members, including chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers.