More than 200 CSP members came together this week in Manchester for the Annual Representative Conference (ARC), to help shape the future direction of the profession and celebrate this year's Rep of the Year winners.
ARC is where CSP members make their voices heard. Delegates from representative groups across the UK debate motions, share their experience and vote on the issues that matter most to physiotherapy staff. Through this process, ARC plays a vital role in influencing CSP Council and driving change across the profession.
This year’s conference was especially significant, as it marks 50 years since the CSP became a trade union, plus the event took place during Volunteer Week, which was a powerful reminder of what members can achieve together by giving their time to support others and lead the physiotherapy community.
Maggie Bingley, a first year physiotherapy student at Brunel University and a CSP student rep, said: 'Attending ARC was a really valuable experience. I enjoyed supporting my fellow students and their motions, and it was inspiring to see how passionately they spoke about issues affecting them. The wider discussions around professional issues were also incredibly valuable.
I’d definitely encourage others to attend next year, it’s a brilliant opportunity to learn, network, and feel that your voice genuinely matters and that it can shape our professional future.
Chris Richards, a physiotherapy technical instructor at Hywel Dda University Health Board and a CSP Council member said: 'I thoroughly enjoy hearing the passion that members bring across the profession and the change they want to see'.
Claire Small, chief clinical officer at Pure Sports Medicine and a CSP Council member, said: 'Listening to the debates allows council members to understand the rationale for bringing the motions as well as concerns, alternative experiences and opinions voiced by others. This is important in informing our decision making process'.
What members debated
Members raised a wide range of issues affecting practice and working lives, from workforce pressures, recruitment freezes and safe staffing, to ethical challenges such as AI and ‘sport washing’.
There was also a strong emphasis on better support for workplace reps, early career physios and students, alongside calls for fair pay, healthy retirement and sustainable services that protect both staff and patients.
Fringe meetings
The conference also featured eight fringe sessions, which gave delegates space to explore emerging issues in more depth. Topics included student empowerment, supporting early career physiotherapists, AI and self‑management, inclusive transitions into the workforce, and the future of rehabilitation.
Together, the fringes highlighted the strength and diversity of member‑led thinking across the CSP. One fringe session took delegates on a walking tour exploring the trade union history in the area to celebrate 50 years of the CSP as a trade union.
Recognising reps
As part of the conference, delegates celebrated the vital role of CSP student and workplace reps, recognising the impact they continue to have in advocating for their peers whilst learning and making their workplaces fairer, safer and more supportive. Rep of the Year winners included:
Steward of the year
Becca Bambridge, the vice chair of the joint union committee at North Bristol NHS Trust. Becca has made a big impact through complex casework and has also empowered members across the workforce as chair of the CSP associates' network.
Safety rep of the year
Physiotherapist Oliver Martin, who has engaged members at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust on local campaigns, including car parking and uniform. He has also supported the rep team across the region and delivered a new induction for reps.
Rep team of the year
A team of CSP stewards from NHS Lothian: Elaine McDermott, Hannah Johnstone and Eilidh De Klerk. Their achievements included getting their compensatory rest policy improved and negotiating a local protocol for filling last minute on-call gaps.
Equality rep of the year
Maria Quiroga-Tabbia, a physiotherapy support worker and equality rep at North Bristol NHS Trust. Maria has led sessions on sexual safety in the workplace and embedded EDB priorities in all day-to-day operations.
Student rep of the year
Thalia Lau, a third year physiotherapy student from Cardiff University, who has improved cultural competence across the university and supported students to get their voices heard.
You'll be able to find out more about this year’s winners from Frontline July edition onwards.
Become a rep
Become a CSP rep at work and address the issues that you and your colleagues are facing at work. Backed by advice, mentoring, training and other ongoing support from the CSP, you can make a positive impact on your workplace.
By taking this step, you’ll also make connections and gain skills in negotiation, diplomacy and leadership that can help you to develop your career.
Becoming a student rep whilst you learn to jumpstart your physiotherapy career.
You’ll develop leadership skills and represent your fellow students to help improve their learning environments.
Get involved at ARC 2027
If you’d like to suggest a topic for a future motion, contact one of the member representative groups that attend ARC. Groups can submit up to two motions each.
Want to attend ARC next year? Get in touch with a representative group that reflects your interests and find out how nominations work.
ARC will take place on 29-30 June 2027 in Manchester.
Find out more about how to get involved
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