Find out what the CSP Council is responsible for, and what is actually involved in being a member
The purpose of council
Council's purpose is to provide leadership of the physiotherapy profession and governance of the CSP, and it is accountable to members for its actions and decisions.
Our council, like all governing bodies, is responsible for setting the strategy for the organisation and making sure it’s doing what it should be doing.
Council is supported by four strategic committees:
- Finance, risk and audit committee – which advises council on financial, organisational risk and audit issues affecting the CSP
- Employment committee – which advises council on strategic employment matters affecting employed CSP members at work
- Professional committee – which provides expertise and insight on significant physiotherapy practice, learning and development issues
- Equity, diversity and belonging committee - which provides expertise, insight, support and advice to Council on matters relating to equity, diversity and belonging.
Is CSP Council for you?
Being a council member is…
- a fantastic development opportunity
- a chance to be heard and to influence the future of the profession
- open to all CSP members, and we want to reflect our diverse membership
It is also…
- a time commitment
- a role requiring particular skills and experience
What is it like to be a CSP Council member?
Katie Wilkie, vice-chair of council from 2018 to 2021, shares her experience of what it's like to be a CSP Council member.
What council members do
Since 2017, CSP Council has consisted of 12 members.
All members are qualified physiotherapists with a passion for improving patient care and practice. They have between them a broad range of skills, knowledge and experience and work to:
Lead the organisation
To deliver its mission, vision and strategic aims as effectively as possible with the resources available. Council’s core role is to focus on strategy, performance and assurance.
Take responsibility for CSP funds, assets and reputation
They foster and maintain the respect of members, other stakeholders and the public by behaving with integrity, even where difficult or unpopular decisions are required.
Sylvia Wojciechowski, Council member 2022 to date, advanced practice physiotherapist and orthopaedic strategy lead at Frimley Health Foundation TrustThis role instils a sense of collective responsibility and offers an amazing platform to positively influence our profession’s trajectory.
Take responsibility for CSP decisions and actions
Ensure effective processes are in place to enable informed, rigorous and timely decision making. Some decisions are delegated to committees or the chief executive. However, while council can delegate authority they retain ultimate responsibility. So it is important that suitable arrangements are in place to ensure delegation is appropriate.
Identify and assess risks and opportunities for the CSP
Deciding how best to deal with them, including assessing whether they are manageable or worth taking.
Work as an effective team
Using their balance of skills, experience, backgrounds and knowledge to make informed decisions. As a team, council members should feel it is safe to suggest, question and challenge ideas and address – rather than avoid – difficult topics. Regular reviews of members’ individual and collective performance, and investment in development are key to delivering and maintaining this strong team ethos.
Kelly Walker Council member 2022 to date, associate professor in physiotherapy at the University of East Anglia (UEA)The role offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth in leadership skills, and I have learned so much about finances, risk and strategy writing, alongside the important workings of union representation. My confidence in communication has also increased through having my voice heard during consultation and decision-making.
Ensure the CSP’s reputation and success
Council members must build and be accountable for this. It is achieved through genuine and open two-way communication that celebrates successes and demonstrates willingness to learn from mistakes.
Make themselves accountable to members for their actions and decisions
This is through the election process and by regular interactions with members – online, face-to-face and through reporting. Communication is crucial to this relationship, to make sure members know what council are doing and have opportunities to question and challenge.
Jack Chew, CSP council member 2022 to date, founder and director of Physio Matters, Therapy Live and Chews Health | editor-in-chief of MSKMagMy time on council has been hugely rewarding, including in some ways that have surprised me. It has helped me to see the profession in its fullest and to identify ways in which policies and promotion could lift all disciplines and sectors. Personal growth in areas of finance, strategy and risk have greatly benefited my day job, but above all else it is the furthering of negotiation, diplomacy and pragmatic skills that have enhanced my experience.