The skills, experience and time commitment

The value of a diverse Council

It is important that our Council is made up of a diverse range of members, from different backgrounds and with varying specialisms, so that it is reflective of its members.

This is essential to Council’s ability to stay informed and responsive to the needs of the sector. A diverse Council, made up of members with different backgrounds and experience is more likely to encourage debate and to make better decisions.

Diversity includes different backgrounds, life experiences, career paths and diversity of thought.

Role profile of a Council member

As the governing body leading the profession, CSP Council needs active and engaged members – particularly those who have the attributes listed in the person specification:

1. A commitment to the CSP as a trade union and professional body:
   Engaging with issues affecting the physiotherapy profession and working for the benefit of all members.
2. A commitment to learning and development:
   Committed to develop existing knowledge and skills to have a sound overview of the profession across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and to able to hold the chief executive to account for the performance and budget of the CSP.
3. Leadership:
   Being able to take difficult decisions, balancing priorities or competing demands including financial and political consequences and explaining them to others. Being proactive and taking the initiative, being creative and innovative.
4. A strong team worker:
   Working with others successfully by building trust, through personal credibility and a collaborative style of working.
5. Strategic thinker:
   Able to see the bigger picture, picking up and working with complex information and concepts quickly. Working with integrity, resilience and energy.
6. Clear and effective communicator:
   Able to contribute effectively to Council discussions and decisions, challenging positively and respectfully and able to stand up and explain decisions to members and stakeholders.

Time commitment

Typically, Council members need to be able to commit the equivalent of between 20-25 days per year, made up of meetings, travel, preparation and training/development days. Only some of this time is for meetings during working hours. Council members generally fit their duties around other responsibilities – for example, by picking up tasks in the evening.

The chair and vice-chair’s time commitment will be larger, up to two days per week for the chair.

Key commitments include: 

• Induction days – 12 September and 2 October 2024, in person.
• Council meetings – six times a year.  Four are full-day meetings, usually at CSP head office in London, two are half-day meetings and are held virtually.
• Development day – March 2025, in person.
• Annual Representative Conference – June 2025, two days, in person.
• CSP Annual Conference – two days.
• Annual General Meeting.
• Observing at committees or country boards (up to four).

While we try to work virtually as much as possible, you will also need to spend some time travelling to face-to-face meetings.

The Council shadowing scheme enables members to observe Council meetings. Please email the governance team if you wish to observe a meeting.

Covering your costs

Council members act on a voluntary basis and do not receive remuneration for their service, but the CSP is committed to making the role of Council members as open to as many people as possible. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to anyone who stands for election. We offer full reimbursement of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses involved in serving as a Council member for the duration of the term. These include the cost of travel, subsistence, childcare, and overnight accommodation if required.

Council members can also be reimbursed for loss of earnings in line with CSP policy.

Appointment tenure

CSP Council is made up of 12 members who serve for a four-year term.

After four years, each Council stands down, with the option of seeking re-election through the nomination process for a further four years.

The maximum consecutive term on Council is eight years.

Getting the support of your manager

The attached information can be shared with your your manager to help you to secure their support for you putting yourself forward to become a Council member.

It demonstrates the advantages for your professional development and the consequent benefits to them as employers.

Please note:

1. Nominees for election must commit to observe the CSP's statutes and bye-laws. 
2. You cannot nominate yourself if you are currently serving a disqualification period from a conviction relating to the conduct of union financial and accounting affairs.