Leadership Development Programme

The Leadership Development Programme is aimed at developing the leadership skills of members and has consisted of an interactive taught course since 2017. In 2023, our offer is paused to evaluate the impact of the programme and ensure our offer meets the needs of members. 

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Got a question? Email LDP@csp.org.uk

Since 2017, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy has run a successful University level 7 accredited, or level 11 in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, Leadership Development Programme (LDP), providing learning, development, and networking opportunities to over 300 members.

The positive impact of the programme extends beyond those who complete it, and reaches their colleagues, services, patients, and the wider community. We are proud of what the LDP alumni have achieved, how their careers have progressed and how they continue to lead within the physiotherapy profession, and wider healthcare system.  

With the LDP funding from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust coming to an end this year, and the CSP moving into a new five-year strategy in 2023, it’s time to take a pause, celebrate the success of the LDP, evaluate our offering and explore what would meet the needs of members going forward.  

We want to thank and acknowledge the partners we have worked with over the years, most recently working in partnership with both the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Central Lancashire who have delivered these master’s level modules since 2018. We would like to formally thank both institutions and the talented, compassionate and expert teaching staff who have provided high quality learning and development for our members. The feedback from students on both modules has consistently been positive and affirming. 

Learning opportunities

There are a range of other learning opportunities for developing yourself as a leader; for physiotherapists and other Allied Health Professionals. 

When thinking about taking a course or learning in another way, we advise that you first assess your learning needs and use a critical eye to explore what a course could do for you. Elements to consider include location, course delivery e.g. online, cost, accreditation and time commitments, but this list is not exhaustive.

Below are some courses and other options that you might want to consider, but please also speak to your workplace learning and development manager (if you have one) and do your own research.  

  • Leadership for Allied Health Professionals, University of Central Lancashire This is one of the courses we previously funded members to complete as part of the LDP up until 2022. The University of Central Lancashire will continue to deliver this module, with the next cohort starting in September 2023. Please follow the above link for more information about the course content, eligibility and fees. 
  • CSP Mentoring Scheme Development doesn't only happen through formal learning, so we encourage you to explore the opportunities mentoring can provide. You can register as both a mentor and a mentee. Mentorship was an essential element of the LDP, with each participant required to have a mentor to support their learning and development. 
  • NHS Leadership Academy If you work in the NHS, the Leadership Academy has a wealth of information, events and programmes for new, experienced and senior leaders so there should be something to suit you regardless of where you are coming from. 
  • The King's Fund works to improve health and care in England and has a range of events and courses that could support your development. Course topics range from personal and team leadership to clinical leadership and system leadership. It also runs the Circle's programme, which brings women together from across health and social care. 

Support from the CSP Charitable Trust

The CSP Charitable Trust has funded around 48 members per year to complete the Leadership Development Programme since it began in 2017, contributing to the development of leaders in physiotherapy. 

Current funding opportunities

If you're a CSP member, you can apply for funding up to £500 through the Education Awards Panel for any course. The award opens for applications twice a year – January to March, and June to September. You'll have to provide confirmation of your place and proof of how much the total fees are when you apply for this funding. 

You may also be able to get funding through your workplace, so speak to the relevant person in learning and development. 

    LDP alumni 

    We support a series of events annually, to facilitate the continued learning of LDP alumni and offer an opportunity for them to network with fellow leaders in physiotherapy. The events are planned by a brilliant LDP Event Steering Group. The group is always open to new members of the alumni to support in this so get in touch if you are interested.

    All previous events and other resources are available on the LDP Alumni virtual learning environment, where you can interact with fellow alumni, share your own resources and ask questions. To get the VLE access key, please get in touch at LDP@csp.org.uk 

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