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Annual Representative Conference

We look forward to hosting the 33rd Annual Representative Conference (ARC) on 18-19 June at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.

The Annual Representative Conference (ARC) is an opportunity for the CSP’s members to meet for two days to discuss and debate matters of importance to the profession.

Delegates vote on motions to propose CSP policy and action to advise CSP Council on future policies and campaigns.

Eligible CSP members can book their place today. Details to book travel will be available in early May 2024.

How can I learn more about ARC?

To help you to find out more about ARC, and to prepare for it, we will host three training modules leading up to it.  These will all be held online and they will also be recorded and available via the website. 

ARC training modules

Watch a recording giving an overview of ARC

The three modules are:

  1. How to write a motion / discussion item - 16 January 2024, 6.00pm - 7.00pm
  2. Amending motions / appealing motions - 27 March 2024, 6.00pm - 7.00pm
  3. ARC in practice / How to speak to motions / Emergency motions / Panels or other types of debate - 14 May 2024, 6.00pm - 7.00pm

What happens at ARC?

  • Groups are invited to present their motions – speakers propose their motion other representatives have the opportunity to respond and debate. A vote is taken on each motion and nominated reps are asked to vote.
  • Fringe meetings – any group or committee can put forward a proposal to hold a fringe meeting at ARC.
  • Election of the agenda committee reps will take place during the conference (when a vacancy arises).
  • Rep of the Year awards

What are motions?

An ARC motion is a form of words formally proposing an action or policy to the CSP Council. Motions are debated and voted on at ARC.

As part of its responsibility for determining ARC business, the ARC agenda committee considers any motions proposed by CSP representative groups, in line with the ARC constitution.

As ARC is an advisory body to the CSP’s elected Council, ARC resolutions are not automatically mandatory. Council can decide to accept or reject them. 

Discussion items

The agenda committee is also giving groups the opportunity to raise possible discussion items.  A discussion item is one where a group wishes to speak on a particular matter, and to hear the contributions of other delegates, but where the group is not requesting that CSP take any new actions, or to change policy. The approval of discussion items will be at the discretion of the agenda committee.

How do I submit a motion or discussion item?

Motion submission for 2024 has now closed. Proposing groups were invited to submit up to two motions relevant to issues that fit within the remit of the CSP corporate strategy 2023-27 and within the role of the CSP as a professional body and trade union.

Motion process timetable

  • Submissions opened Friday 5 January 2024
  • Submissions closed 12 noon, Thursday 29 February 2024.
  • Proposing groups will be advised of the Committee's initial decision on motions by 31 March 2024 and will have until 15 April 2024 to appeal or amend motions.
  • Motions approved by the ARC agenda committee will be published online by Friday 17 May 2024.

Any amendments to motions should be submitted by 12 noon, Monday 3 June 2024.


When can I register to attend ARC?

Registration is now open. Representative groups will determine which representatives they will choose to register. Each group has an allocated number of places at ARC.   


Guidance for writing motions

Motions should be topical, accurate and concise, likely to prompt good debate, and clear and logical.

Please ensure you read the instructions carefully in the Guidance for writing motions document.


Criteria for accepting motions

Submitted motions are reviewed by the committee against the published criteria. Successful motions will either be debated at ARC or used to identify issues to be covered in another format such as a workshop or panel debate. 

Proposed ARC motions are assessed against these criteria to ensure they are clear, consistent and fit for purpose.

Please ensure you carefully read the Criteria for accepting motions prior to submitting a motion.


Who are the proposing groups?

  • Associates group 
  • Diversity networks
  • National Group of Regional Safety Representatives and National Group of Regional Stewards 
  • Professional networks 
  • Regional networks and country boards
  • Retirement network 
  • Student reference group 

What has the ARC done for the CSP and its members?

Previous ARC motions have helped to change the future of the profession in areas such as:

  • prescribing rights
  • opening membership up to associates
  • injection therapy
  • affiliating to the TUC
  • leading the way in equity and diversity issues, resulting in creating the network groups
  • employing CSP policy officers and setting up CSP regional offices

Who are the ARC agenda committee?

The ARC agenda committee (AAC) leads on developing plans for the conference, aiming to attract up to 250 representatives from CSP networks, boards and groups. Proposing groups are encouraged to think about motions to propose that are relevant to an issue that fits under the CSP corporate strategy. The AAC determines the business of ARC, so that the conference achieves its purpose. The committee will consider submitted motions and oversee the management of motions.

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