Finding new ways for CSP members to support each other at work
This summer, the CSP launched a recruitment drive to turn more of our members into workplace representatives.
Workplaces are safer, provide better care and are more inclusive and diverse when staff are engaged in local decisions and feel supported to speak up when things are not right.
Now with CSP membership numbers at an all-time high, the need to recruit has increased. So, a one year pilot project for CSP equality reps has been launched across the country, with nine members participating.
Elected as CSP stewards with a focus on equalities, the new role aims to enhance the great work currently carried out by our stewards on equity, diversity and belonging issues.
CSP organiser Iain Croker said: ‘The responsibility for equalities lies with us all, however this trial of equality reps is aimed to demonstrate that it can lead to a boost in member engagement as well as firmly placing equity diversity and belonging at the heart of what we do, which crucially for a union is the workplace.’
Coming from a variety of backgrounds, the newly elected equality reps will be in NHS trusts and workplaces from Edinburgh to Sussex. An online training package has been developed by the CSP with regular online meetings for the equality reps to share experiences and discuss new ways to embed equality and raise awareness among colleagues and employers.
There has been a particular interest in the equality rep role from members of the CSP diversity networks, as well as some of our student members looking to take up a CSP representative role in their first workplace.
If you would like to be kept informed of the project or register interest in becoming a CSP equality rep in the future, contact Vanessa Carlton carltonv@csp.org.uk
Hello, my name is:
‘Kyrsta MacDonald-Scott. I am a band 6 physiotherapist working in Edinburgh for 20 years. I have a passion for equality and accessibility at work. Even in my voluntary capacity in my community in Portobello I push for accessibility. At work I try to encourage and educate for a practice of equity for disabled students and staff. Being dyslexic myself, I am aware of various adjustments to make, some easier to implement than others, that can be appropriate, one being my own glasses!’
‘Declan Nwachukwu. I am a static MSK physiotherapist working in Horsham, West Sussex. I am currently redeployed in the community due to the impact of Covid-19. I am originally from Nigeria and moved to the UK when I was six.
I studied up in the University of Leicester and graduated in 2018. Promoting equality in health is a topic close to my heart.
Through previous experiences in Nigeria and in Leicester, I have witnessed health inequalities first hand and the impact it has on families.
‘I’m currently involved in a project with colleagues from my previous place of work. The project is looking into trying to promote physiotherapy as a career to students from a BAME background and working towards trying to make physiotherapy more accessible to those who have studied overseas.’
‘Elizabeth Cachia, a band 5 physio working in the west of Edinburgh. I’ve been working for about two years now and I’ve been thinking about trying to expand my non-clinical experience so this seemed like the perfect opportunity! I’m really keen to learn more and would like to try and play a more active role in advocating for equality, diversity and inclusivity.’
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