The Widening Participation Award provides support to CSP members facing financial barriers to attending the CSP Student and Annual Conference. Other funding and support is also available.
We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to attend the CSP Student and Annual Conference and get the benefits of networking, hearing from experts and seeing the latest research in our profession.
Funding
Many employers provide funding for continual professional development (CPD). Speak to your line manager or learning and development coordinator and use this business case to help you make the case for time off and funding to attend CSP Annual Conference.
Letters of support
If you require a letter of support from the CSP to attend conference, for example, to show your employer or educator, email us at conference@csp.org.uk
Widening Participation Award
This funding award is for CSP members facing financial barriers to attending. The following groups are particularly encouraged to apply:
- Members with a disability or long-term health condition
- LGBTQIA+ members
- Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members
- First-time conference attendees
- People presenting at the conference
Funding packages
The Widening Participation Award contributes towards the costs of attending and can be used on transport, accommodation, childcare, poster printing and anything else that supports you to attend.
- Ticket
- Ticket plus £200
- Ticket plus £400
- Flexible support option (requests for additional funding may be submitted where exceptional circumstances apply, e.g. due to geographical location or substantial costs to travel with an access assistant).
Individual support, starting with a meeting with one of our team is also available to awardees to ensure good access and experiences for all. Email conference@csp.org.uk for details.
Applications for Round 2 will open on 27 July.
Receiving the Widening Participation Award allowed me to attend the CSP Annual Conference in my final year. It provided me with the opportunity to network with leaders in physiotherapy, deepen my clinical knowledge, and engage with current research, all of which will shape my career long after graduation!
Widening Participation Award recipient, 2025
Other funding sources
Some CSP networks also provide support for members to attend. This includes regional networks, country boards, professional networks and diversity networks.
- Find out more about CSP networks and contact them to find out if they can offer you support.
CSP associate member funding
CSP Associate members who are also support workers can apply for the Associates Network: Conference 2026 Participation Grant. These will be considered on a rolling basis and the form will be closed once the grant is allocated.
The grant can cover the cost of an associate two day ticket to attend in person. There will be no cash alternative and if awarded the grant you will be sent a code to purchase your ticket. Please contact allens@csp.org.uk if you have any questions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply if I want to attend the student conference?
The student conference is free to attend in person for CSP student members and free to attend online for all students. You can still apply for a grant to receive financial support for attending in person.
Can I apply if I am presenting at the conference?
Yes! We accept applications from presenters who are facing financial barriers to attending.
Can I apply if I want to attend but need additional support for my disability?
Yes! We can provide additional assistance, and the panel can consider an application for a larger grant to cover associated costs.
Will you ask for proof of my financial barriers?
No. We trust our members to self-report a financial barrier and do not require proof. We understand that regardless of salary, everyone has different personal costs and situations, which can lead to financial barriers.
If I am successful, how is the grant awarded?
If you are awarded a ticket, you will receive a booking code to secure your place. If you are awarded a financial grant, you will be asked to provide your bank details so the funds can be transferred before the event.
All awardees will be requested to sign an agreement before receiving any funding.
If I am successful, do you recommend a hotel to book?
We work with Reservation Highway to secure discounted rates for delegates.
What happens if I receive a financial award but can no longer attend the conference?
If you are no longer able to attend the CSP Conference, the CSP will request repayment of some or all of the grant, depending on the circumstances. Misuse or non-attendance may also affect my eligibility for future funding.
If I am not successful, is there any other support available?
We recommend that you first speak to your employer if you have one, as they may be able to support your attendance. You can request our letter of support for employers, which explains the benefits of attending conference.
You may also find your regional network, country board or diversity or professional network is supporting members to attend.
What’s the difference between an in-person and online ticket?
In-person tickets give you access to the Conference venue including ten rooms of content, the exhibition hall, poster-hall and other smaller sessions.
The online ticket gives you access to conference content that is being streamed and the online poster hall.
Please note that not all sessions will be available online. You can view the conference programme to find out which rooms are available.
If I apply, do I have to attend both days?
No. You can apply for the day(s) you wish to attend.
Where can I find out more about event accessibility?
A full conference accessibility guide will be available later this year. If you have any queries in the meantime, please email us and a member of the team will be happy to help.