The LGBTQIA+ network supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual CSP members and is a lead contributor to physiotherapy's equality and diversity agenda.
The LGBTQIA+ network is one of three diversity networks, and is open to all CSP members who identify as LGBTQIA+, 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
- Amplifying voices – highlighting and showcasing diversity of voices from the network
- Growing the network from wider CSP membership
- Creating a supportive community for all LGBTQIA+ members and promoting allyship across the CSP
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 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:
- Core committee member x 7
Roles are open to all CSP members (including students and associates) in the network group. All you need to do is join the LGBTQIA+ network (if you are not already a member) and apply via this short form.
These roles are flexible, and members can contribute as much or as little time as they have available. We appreciate any level of involvement.
For details of how the committee is chosen, and to find a copy of our constitution, visit our page on how the diversity networks operate.
Network chair
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Annual vision planning of events with the network’s executive team
- Managing network inbox
- Attend meetings relevant to the network as diary allows
- Liaise with CSP Council, committee and staff where necessary e.g. diversity engagement officer
- Represent the network at various events e.g. PUK, ARC, TUC etc
- Liaise with other diversity network chairs
- Member engagement
- Peer-to-peer support for network
- Increase network profile, visibility and membership
- Voice LGBTQIA+ issues and perspectives
Current chair: Paul Rees (he/him)
Vice-chair
Term: two years
Responsibilities:
- Support the chair with tasks as capacity and diary allows
- Prepare for handover to become chair/succession planning
Current vice-chair: Mike Pearson (he/him)
I am a cis gay man based in Nottingham working in the local acute trust. Over my 20 year career my main speciality has been within healthcare of the older person, alongside which I have been a CSP steward since 2005 and I was the East Midlands regional steward for 13 years. I have been a member of the CSP LGBTQIA+ network since becoming a CSP member. Due to personal circumstances, I have been less active in the network until recently but I previously attended TUC LGBT conference twice as a CSP delegate.
I have always felt a strong need to support those who are misheard, misrepresented or ignored and try to bring about understanding between groups using an empathetic and balanced approach to ensure all perspectives are heard and there is respectful discussion to bring about understanding rather than conflict. For the past 20 months I have been in a project role at my trust as the Improving Workplace Culture project manager, developing and launching trust initiatives for civility, psychological safety, just and restorative culture and a stop bullying, harassment, racism and discrimination campaign. I am now a full-time staff side lead at my trust, using my CSP steward skills and supporting CSP members and influencing for positive change.
I am looking forward to becoming more active again in the LGBTQIA+ network and using my skills to help improve the experience of CSP members within the network but also beyond into the wider CSP membership, through improving understanding and raising awareness and visibility of injustices across all protected characteristics and intersectionality.
Core committee member x 10
Term: two years (flexible)
Responsibilities:
- Support the committee with tasks necessary for the functioning of the network. i.e., communications, pastoral support, attending meetings, arranging events and representing the network at conferences.
Current core committee members: Emma Powson (she/her), Shan Pinnington (they/him), Ronan Karas (he/him), and 7 vacant positions.
Emma Powson (she/her)
I am a cis queer woman based in Swansea Bay University Health board working as a rotational physiotherapist in the NHS. I qualified from Cardiff university in 2023 and came straight into my post in SBUHB where I have been rotating through different areas since. This is my first year as a part of the CSP LGBTQIA+ network and committee and I am excited to begin my role in the committee. In my spare time I play rugby and love running out onto the pitch with friends.
I initially joined my local health boards LGBTQIA+ group Calon and attended a course run by Stonewall as recommended by the group. Following this, I presented back to other physiotherapists within my health board and felt surprised by the number of questions and queries people had. This sparked my interest in raising awareness and educated others on a wider basis.
Having worked in the community and hospital settings there is still a large about of health inequality within the LGBTQIA+ community. Therefore, I am going to implement my social media skills and use the platform to increase awareness and spread joy within the CSP.
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.