The DisAbility network supports and empowers disabled* CSP members to reach their potential and is a lead contributor to physiotherapy's equality and diversity agenda.
The DisAbility network is one of three diversity networks, and is open to all CSP members who identify as part of the group, 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
- Enabling disabled members to thrive – normalising disability and promoting disability pride within the profession and educational settings.
- Increase levels of CSP member engagement with the DisAbility network.
What we do
Learn from each other
The network allows us to share ideas, and build our understanding of 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 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 activities that 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, 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.
Current vacancies
- None
Committee roles
Roles are open to all CSP members (including students and associates) in the network group. All you need to do is join the DisAbility network (if you are not already a member) and apply for a vacant role.
These roles are flexible, and members can contribute as much or as little time as they have available. We appreciate any level of involvement.
See how the diversity networks operate for details of how the committee is chosen, and to find a copy of our constitution.
Co-chairs x 2
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
With the support of CSP officers and other committee members:
- Organise and chair committee and network meetings.
- Guide the committee in setting and achieving goals.
- Support and check in with committee members.
- Oversee network initiatives and activities.
- Lead on the network’s vision and direction.
- Liaise with CSP Council, equity diversity and belonging (EDB) committee, and key stakeholders.
- Manage the network inbox and communications.
- Support network representation at key events.
- Raise network concerns with CSP Council.
Current co-chairs: Jaz Churms (they/them) and Luke Heath (he/him)
Vice-chair
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Supporting the co-chairs with tasks as capacity and diary allows.
- Manage the network inbox and communications alongside co-chairs.
Current vice-chair: Rachel Porter
Secretary x 2
Term: two years (flexible)
Responsibilities:
To lead on administration tasks, including:
- Liaising with the DisAbility network leadership to plan meetings.
- Gathering agenda items from committee members.
- Circulating agendas and reports.
- Taking and circulating minutes.
- Checking that agreed actions are carried out.
Current secretaries: Andy Kelly and Helena Ward
Helena Ward
I am excited to begin my first year as part of the CSP DisAbility Network.
I am based at University Hospitals Southampton, where I work as a rotational physiotherapist after qualifying in 2025.
My interest in the network comes from my own experiences as someone living with hidden disabilities and navigating the journey of finding support, both as a student and now as a qualified healthcare professional. Through these experiences, I have become passionate about improving awareness, inclusion, and support for healthcare staff and students with disabilities, particularly those with non-visible conditions.
I hope to contribute to meaningful conversations within the CSP and help promote greater understanding and accessibility across the profession.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing badminton and learning new languages.
Student officer
Term: two years
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 to the network's functioning, as capacity allows.
Current student officer: Jourdain Hollis
Hello everyone, I’m Jourdain, your CSP Disability Network student officer! I’m here to represent your voice, get students involved, and help lead the network toward a more accessible future for all future physios.
I was the student experience leader at the University of Bedfordshire for two years.
- I founded and led the UOB physiotherapy society from zero members to over 15 registered members.
- In 2025, I organised over three joint events for physiotherapy and occupational therapy students.
- I won an award commended by the University of Bedfordshire’s student union for the most effective management and leadership of the physiotherapy society.
- I listened to and acted on students' concerns to create meaningful change. I might not know all the answers, but I do promise to actively signpost and amplify your voice, helping you feel confident and competent in your studies.
I could not have successfully driven the physiotherapy society without my keen and dedicated peers. Thank you to everyone who helped make a difference.
Your voice, your future, our network.
Have a question or a suggestion? Let’s talk!
Email: disability@csp.org.uk
Social media officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Oversee and manage social media (X, Instagram) and create content to promote and update the network.
- Keep informed about the latest social media trends and platform developments.
Current social media officer: Hardikkumar Patel
Events officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- To lead on curating events for the network, including the annual diversity networks day and the AGM.
- Supporting the leadership team with other tasks necessary for the network's functioning, as capacity allows.
Current events officer: Sally Kiernan
Practice, development and co-production officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- To lead communication with colleagues in the CSP practice and development directorate, including sharing feedback on projects and consulting network members where needed.
- To guide and support the network’s education and research initiatives.
- Supporting the leadership team with other tasks necessary for the functioning of the network, as capacity allows.
Current practice development and co-production officer: Steph Phillips
Treasurer
Term: two years (flexible)
Responsibilities:
- Managing the group’s finances, keeping accurate records, overseeing the budget, approving payments/expenses, and providing simple financial updates to the committee.
Current treasurer: Jill Lowe
Communications officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Oversee content creation CSP website, iCSP forum, and WhatsApp updates.
- Input / assist with social media content via social media officer.
- Work collaboratively with the team to ensure content aligns with our mission and objectives.
Current communications officer: Hollie Sheehan
I'm currently graduating from my Master's degree, while running as both the international communications and physiotherapy director for the PHRC and as Keele University's school PHRC lead and student lecturer.
I look forward to advocating for others like myself who may struggle with physical, mental and learning disabilities to push for greater inclusivity not only in academic and workplace environments, but also in positions of leadership and overall opportunities.
Together we can make a difference!
Membership officer
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement strategies to increase the Disability Network membership.
- Plan and host initiatives and events to connect with both current and prospective members.
- Work closely with other CSP networks, boards and staff to ensure coordinated efforts.
Current membership officer: Agada Kalu
Committee 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 disabled individuals/individuals with health conditions in leadership positions.
Current committee ambassador: Ana Etchells
General expectations for volunteer committee roles
- Engage with the CSP – Take an interest in its work, policies, and services.
- Get involved – Participate in meetings, events, and activities when possible.
- Contribute ideas and expertise – Share knowledge, experiences, and feedback to strengthen the network and CSP initiatives.
- Support and respect CSP policies – When representing the CSP, uphold its policies and strategies.
- Work collaboratively – Encourage participation from all network members and liaise with CSP staff and other networks.
- Advocate for the network – Help raise awareness of key issues, promote EDB, and represent the network at events.
- Follow guidelines – Adhere to data protection, financial, and other relevant rules when volunteering.
There is no set time commitment—members can be as active as they choose, and all contributions are valued.
*Language – how the CSP writes about disability
The CSP acknowledges the social model of disability, which says that people are disabled by the attitudes of other people and by the barriers society puts in their way. We reflect this in how we write about disability and the language we use.
In line with the social model, unless referring to an individual who has informed us they identify under a different term, we use identity-first language such as ‘disabled person/people’ and 'a person with an impairment/people with impairments' within our communications.