BAME, LGBTQIA+ and disabled members encouraged to apply for free places on AHP leadership programme

The Allied Health Professions Federation is offering allied health professionals – including physiotherapists from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, LGBTQIA+ communities and those with disabilities -  free places on its 2022 Future Leaders Programme, as part of its efforts to increase diversity among AHP leaders.

For more information, visit the AHPF websiteDeadline: 30 November 2021.

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The programme, which is approved by the Institute of Leadership and Management, is aimed at future leaders of associations. It covers strategic corporate issues including finance, governance, leadership skills, and risk management. Therefore, if you are interested in applying to be a CSP Council or Committee member, we encourage you to apply. 

Inviting members of diversity networks in the CSP and other allied health professional bodies to apply for one of the funded places, the AHPF said:

It is widely recognised that diversity at the most senior levels of organisations helps improve the way they are run and managed

'Increasing diversity within the governance of our professional associations (i.e. our Board/ Council and Committee structures) is essential for boards to stay informed and responsive and to navigate the fast-paced and complex changes facing the association sector.’

The programme is free to successful applicants and requires a time commitment of around 50-60 hours spread over approximately a six-month period.

It consists mainly of online learning with others, with some self-directed learning, and the CSP is encouraging any interested BAME, LGBTQIA+ and disabled members to apply.

CSP support

Although the programme is not run by the CSP, the CSP Governance Team will provide support to members who gain a place on the programme by providing them with:

  • Relevant CSP specific governance material which will be considered as part of the programme. 
  • Access to mentors within the CSP, relevant to participants' future plans to be on our Council or Committees, who can provide insight into the CSP’s ways of working and answer questions about the CSP 
  • Opportunities to attend Council or Committee meetings, and other shadowing opportunities.

Last year seven CSP members successfully gained fully funded places on the course. They include Ameer Rasheed, a final year student at St George's University London, who said: 'I am definitely learning from the teaching and the contact with like-minded AHPs on the course.

The tutors are experienced and interesting, and the other AHPs are fascinating. They range from lower grade staff all the way up to senior lecturers and service leaders and existing chairs of membership organisations

'I am very grateful for being sponsored to attend the course and have definitely grown professionally as a result. I think being mentored by Alex, [Chair of CSP Council] will be of enormous value.'

How to apply

To apply, send a CV and letter to info@ahpf.org.uk, setting out why you want to complete the programme and what you would like to contribute to your professional association once you have completed it.

In order to adequately meet the application requirements, CSP members who apply must express a desire to serve (at any point in the future) on CSP’s Council or Committee and explain this in their application. 

For more information, visit the AHPF website.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 30 November 2021.

If you have any questions please contact governance@csp.org.uk.

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