We look forward to hosting the 35th ARC on 2-3 June 2026 at the Midland Hotel, Manchester.
The Annual Representative Conference (ARC) is an opportunity for the CSP’s members to meet for two days to discuss and debate matters of importance to the profession.
Delegates vote on motions to propose CSP policy and action to advise CSP Council on future policies and campaigns.
Delegates are invited to read through this quick guide to debating motions at ARC.
Please note that motions cannot be amended at ARC. If you would like to propose a change to a motion - this needs to be submitted by 12 noon on 18 May 2026.
You can also submit an emergency motion to ARC.
ARC 2026 Agenda
Day 1 - 2 June 2026
- 1000-1300 - Registration and badge collection (Midland Hotel Foyer)
- 1300-1330 - Session 1: Conference day 1 opening
- 1330-1450 - Session 2: Motions
- 1450-1515 - Break
- 1515-1605 - Session 3: Fringe Meetings
- 1605-1615 - Break
- 1615-17.45 - Session 4: Panel / Motions
- 1945-2130 - Networking and ARC Dinner
- 2100 - 2130 Rep of the Year awards
- 2130-000 - Social
Day 2 - Wednesday 3 June 2026
- 0900-0905 - Conference day 2 opening and Committee Election update
- 0905-1035 - Session 5: Motions
- 1035-1100 - Break
- 1100-1230 - Session 6: Motions / Speakers
- 1230-1330 - Lunch
- 1235-1320 - Fringe meetings
- 1330-1500 - Session 7: Motions
- 1515-1545 - Session 8: Quick Fire Motions
- 1545-1550 - ARC Agenda Committee elections
- 1550-1600 - Closing speeches
- 1600 - Close of day 2
ARC delegates who have requested a printed booklet will receive it at the registration desk at ARC; this will include the agenda, motions for debate, and any further materials for the conference.
CSP Conference Code of Conduct
- The CSP is committed to providing an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for all members, colleagues, exhibitors, contractors and anyone we engage with at our conferences, in person or online.
- The CSP has zero tolerance for any type of harassment, including sexual harassment.
- We believe that all people have the right to protection from abuse. This exists whatever their age, gender, sex or sexual orientation, disability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, whether they are pregnant or on maternity leave, married or in a civil partnership. This applies to all forms of abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual harm.
- Aggressive, offensive, intimidatory, disrespectful, unacceptable and unwelcome behaviour or comments, including exerting undue pressure, will not be tolerated. We will intervene without delay, and it may result in individuals being asked to leave conference.
- Any allegations of abuse and/or concerns about the safety or security of any person in any capacity attending a CSP conference must be reported to John Catley (catleyj@csp.org.uk), Nina Strathie (strathien@csp.org.uk) or Jacqui Traynor (traynorj@csp.org.uk).
- CSP staff will be identifiable to all people at the conference as they will be wearing a CSP staff lanyard and name badge.
- Our conference code of conduct applies to everyone who engages in CSP-run conferences, and any concerns reported will follow our procedures for making a complaint.
- All attendees should note the Code of Members' Professional Values and Behaviour
Frequently asked questions about ARC
How do I propose an amendment to a motion?
Groups may submit amendments to motions no later than 12 noon 18 May 2026 by emailing arcmotion@csp.org.uk.
The group that originally submitted the motion may not amend it.
A copy of the amendment will be sent to the proposer, who should indicate to the CSP whether or not they accept it.
For further details on amendments to motions, please read theARC constitution
How do I submit an emergency motion?
Emergency motions deal with business that has arisen since the final date for submission of motions, so between 19 February and 1 pm on 1 June 2026. Emergency Motions must be submitted in writing by e-mail to arcmotion@csp.org.uk by midnight on 18 May 2026.
After that date, emergency motions should deal only with business that has arisen between midnight 18 May and 1 pm 1 June 2026. They will only be accepted by the Agenda Committee if:
- it considers them to be of significant importance
- there has been no delay in notifying them
- there is time for them to be circulated to representatives with due time for their consideration.
Emergency motions dealing with matters that have arisen less than 14 days before the first day of ARC should be notified in writing to the CSP without delay.
What happens at ARC?
- Groups are invited to present their motions – A speaker will propose their group's motion, after which other representatives have the opportunity to respond and debate. A vote is taken on each motion and nominated reps are asked to vote.
- Fringe meetings – any group or committee can put forward a proposal to hold a fringe meeting at ARC.
- Election of the ARC Agenda Committee members will take place during the conference (when a vacancy arises).
- Rep of the Year awards
The ARC agenda committee
The ARC agenda committee leads on developing plans for the conference, aiming to attract up to 250 representatives from CSP networks, boards and groups.
Proposing groups are encouraged to think about proposing motions that are relevant to an issue that fits under the CSP corporate strategy. The committee determines the business of ARC so that the conference achieves its purpose.
The committee will consider submitted motions and oversee the management of motions.
Elections to the ARC Agenda Committee will take place at ARC. Committee members usually serve a four-year term, ending at the fourth ARC they are in post. Positions for election to the committee in 2026 are:
- Steward and safety rep for 2026 - 2027 (one year to fill a casual vacancy)
- Associate rep for 2026 - 2030 ( 4 years)
- Professional Networks rep for 2026 - 2030 (4 years)
- Student rep for 2026 - 2030 (4 years)
Travel and accommodation at ARC
If you have registered for ARC you will have now received an email confirmation of your registration detailing how you can book travel. You will be provided access to a Trainline business account and travel agent if required. If you have any problems booking travel please contact arc@csp.org.uk
Attendees are provided with hotel accommodation on 2 June. (please note if you have booked to attend as an observer that travel, accommodation and dinner are not provided for you).
Accommodation on the night of 1 June is available for those whom travel to Manchester on 2 June for an 1300 start is not viable. There is limited availability - please contact arc@csp.org.uk as soon as possible if you require this.
Expenses can be reclaimed for travel up to three months post ARC
ARC training sessions
There will also be drop in sessions as well as an opportunity to ask any questions about ARC in general. Please do check the event listings for these dates.
What has ARC done for the CSP and its members?
Previous ARC motions have helped to change the future of the profession in areas such as:
- prescribing rights
- opening membership up to associates
- injection therapy
- affiliating to the TUC
- leading the way in equity and diversity issues, resulting in creating the network groups
- employing CSP policy officers and setting up CSP regional offices
