CSP's BAME network represents the interests of Black, Asian and minority ethnic CSP members, and is a lead contributor to physiotherapy’s equality and diversity agenda.
The BAME network is one of three diversity networks, and is open to all CSP members who identify Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority, including students and associates. Membership is on the basis of self-identification and is confidential. Access to details is restricted to those CSP officers who work directly with them.
Our aims
- Better outcomes for BAME members – improved support offer for members
- Growing the network / increasing reach (across all CSP membership)
- Amplifying voices – highlighting the diversity of experience within the network
What we do
Learn from each other
The network allows us to share ideas, and build our understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face in a safe, supportive environment. It is a springboard to spread our individual and collective learning among the membership and in our workplaces, physiotherapy and the wider world.
Share and support
We share our problems and successes. A key activity for the networks is peer support: members can volunteer to be put in touch with others who are experiencing difficulties in the workplace. And when we progress issues, we find sensitive ways to get the message out.
Organise and influence
Together we identify and plan activity that seeks to address discriminatory behaviours, processes and structures to promote equality and diversity at work and in society. That includes influencing change locally and nationally, in the CSP, the profession, the wider health system and government legislation too, working with partners, wherever necessary and possible. We achieve this, in part, by submitting motions and sending representatives to the CSP Annual Representative Conference (ARC) and to TUC equality conferences.
Committee roles
Current vacancies:
- Communications officer
Roles are open to all CSP members (including students and associates) who self-identify as part of the network group. Job share is available for each role and length of term is flexible.
Find out more about the roles below and contact the network directly for more an informal chat.
See how the diversity networks operate for details of how the committee is chosen, and to find a copy of our constitution.
Network chair
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Leading on vision for the network.
- Liaising with CSP council, EDB committee, and diversity officer.
- Managing the network’s inbox.
- Leading the network’s delegation to ARC, PUK, TUC conference.
- Raising concerns of the network with CSP council.
- Liaising with other diversity network chairs.
- Chairing the network’s annual general meeting and network day events.
Current chair: Rajkumar Samuel
Rajkumar works part-time at South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Birmingham as a community physiotherapist and a team lead.
He graduated from Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, India.
He worked as a lecturer at DAV College, Jalandhar, Punjab before coming to the UK in 2004.
He is an active member of an association that promotes the Tamil language and heritage.
Rajkumar states: 'I am very passionate to help my colleagues and friends by sharing my lived experience to progress, to deal with workplace and social issues in any possible way I can.'
He also believes the huge potential of BAME physios should be utilised in senior roles in the NHS and private sectors.
He lives with his wife and two young children in Rugby, Warwickshire.
Vice-chair
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Supporting the chair with tasks as capacity and diary allow.
Current vice-chair: Jay Gandhi
Secretary
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
To lead on administration tasks including:
- Liaising with the leadership team to plan meetings.
- Gathering agenda items from committee members.
- Circulating agendas and reports.
- Taking and circulating minutes.
- Checking that agreed actions are carried out.
Supporting the leadership team with other tasks necessary for the functioning of the network as capacity allows.
Current secretary: Emelie Anekwu
I am a specialist physiotherapist with the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust and Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, focusing on pelvic and mental health respectively. I pursued my passion for physiotherapy at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in medical rehabilitation (physiotherapy).
I have held significant leadership roles, including serving as the financial secretary in the national council of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, regional chairman and in various committees in the same organisation. My commitment to the profession extends globally as I have served as the international liaison and a member of the board for the World Physiotherapy – IPT HOPE.
I am passionate about helping and mentoring internationals of diverse backgrounds navigate job recruitment and settle well in their workplace alongside jumping all the hurdles that comes with working in a new environment and culture.
My dedication to professional development and diversity in healthcare is reflected in my participation in various committees and networks aimed at enhancing opportunities for physiotherapists with protected characteristics.
Events officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- To lead on curating events for the network, including the annual networks day and the AGM.
- Supporting the leadership team with other tasks necessary for the functioning of the network as capacity allows.
Current events officer: Salil Parkar
Communications officers (x2)
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- To lead on content for the network social media channels, CSP web page, including the network iCSP forum, as well as WhatsApp updates.
- Supporting the leadership team with other tasks necessary for the functioning of the network as capacity allows.
Current communications officers: Funso Akinlade (and a vacant position)
Practice and development officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- To lead on communication with team members from the CSP Practice and Development Directorate, including giving feedback for a practice and development project or consulting with network members.
- Supporting the leadership team with other tasks necessary for the functioning of the network as capacity allows.
Current practice and development officer: Olubunmi (Bunmi) Temitope Olasanoye
I am a specialist falls prevention physiotherapist with Central London Community Healthcare.
My previous work experience includes rotational postings, private practice as well as FCP role.
I am an overseas qualified physiotherapist, trained in Nigeria with a master's degree from Coventry University.
I have gained support through the CSP BAME network and now opportune to be a part of the leadership committee.
I have supported/supporting many overseas qualified physiotherapists prior to this position and with this platform, I can support the development and access to support for more BAME members (students inclusive), challenge status quo, and increase diverse representation at every level.
Student officer
Term: two years
Criteria: must be a current student and can roll over into first year of postgrad
Responsibilities:
- Speaking from a student perspective so that the network’s annual actions incorporate the student voice.
- Engaging students in network activity.
- Supporting the leadership team with other tasks necessary for the functioning of the network as capacity allows.
Current student officer: Lekha Mankar
Network ambassador
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Act as a liaison between the CSP and professional groups and networks.
- Promote the network to CSP groups and actively support and promote all networks to enhance the representation of BAME individuals in leadership positions.
Current network ambassador: Mariam Abiodun Akande
Hi there, I am Mariam Akande, the network ambassador for the CSP BAME network. I am also the CSP West Midlands regional steward. I qualified as a physiotherapist in 2015 and am currently a senior physiotherapist at Russell Hall Hospital, the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. I thoroughly enjoy connecting and collaborating with people. As the network ambassador for CSP BAME, I am dedicated to nurturing strong and productive relationships between our network and other teams/networks within the CSP.
Pastoral support officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Develop a new service with the CSP, attend meetings, and maintain the WhatsApp group.
- Work with senior negotiating officers and stewards to allocate resources and gather information on workplace issues to address them with the CSP.
Current Pastoral support officer: Jane Nwanneka Anikpe
I am a specialist pelvic health physiotherapist with Airedale General Hospital, Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, West Yorkshire. I am originally from Nigeria where I obtained my bachelor of medical rehabilitation – physiotherapy degree in 2002.
I also obtained my master's in public health from the University of Central Nicaragua, America Central in 2018. I just finished my fellowship examinations in the pelvic and women's health faculty of the National Postgraduate Physiotherapy College of Nigeria.
I came to the United Kingdom in 2022 through Basildon University Hospital where I worked for 10 months before my present employment.
I have a passion in change and improvement oriented leadership, and hence my drive to join the CSP BAME network committee for an opportunity to make especially the workplace more conducive and inclusive for colleagues.
I hope to continually be part of the link between employers, leaders of various health institutions and colleagues in making workplace decisions to close the gaps presented by diversity on cultural and social values for inclusion of all into the system of which they are fully part of. Diversity presents massive cultural and social differences that must be reconciled for optimal acceptance and comfort in discharging our duties, as integral part of the workforce which should be appreciated and valued.
Frontline officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Manage the BAME column in the Frontline, ensuring that articles are published for events such as Black History Month and South Asian Heritage.
- Publish and announce activities of the BAME network, conduct interviews with members, and maintain the Frontline Contributors WhatsApp group.
Current Frontline officer: Deepa Barnabas