CSP equality reps

Workplaces are safer, provide better care and are more inclusive and diverse when staff are engaged in local decisions and feel supported to speak up when things are not right. 

If you are passionate about equity, diversity and belonging in the workplace, then being an equality rep is your chance to make a real difference.

What does the role involve? 

Equality reps champion equality, diversity and belonging (EDB) in the workplace and union structures by advising and empowering stewards in casework, shaping employer policy, representing EDB in negotiating/partnership structures, and amplifying under-represented voices through networks and campaigns. 

Our equality reps are involved in a range of work within their employers, NHS trusts and health boards, including: 

• Working with CSP stewards and safety reps to update workplace policies
• Supporting members facing discrimination at work by signposting them to the local CSP steward and CSP resources
• Developing strategies with other local CSP reps to advance equity, diversity and belonging (EDB) in the workplace
• Engaging with your employer, staff EDB networks and other local staff-side unions to progress EDB in your workplace
• Keeping CSP members informed and engaged around workplace developments relating to EDB
• Receiving national and regional training for which you are entitled to paid time off, just like stewards and safety reps
• Equality reps do not carry out casework but will work with stewards and safety reps to advise on equity, diversity and belonging issues and casework.

What have equality reps achieved?

Our equality reps are involved in a huge range of work across all regions and countries of the UK. 

They have worked to transform policies and procedures, support internationally educated physiotherapists, champion inclusive recruitment practices and much more.  

The exact mix of activities our reps are engaged in depends on the needs of their members and specific issues which affect their workplace. 

Want to become an equality rep? 

You can be elected as an equality rep in any workplace where the CSP has a recognition agreement and is recognised as a Trade Union by the employer. 

To become an equality rep, you first need to be nominated by your CSP colleagues in your workplace and then be elected.

You can be elected by nominating yourself for the role at a member meeting and asking for a show of hands in support, or you can send around an email to members saying you are putting yourself forward for the role and asking for any objections. 

Once elected, you will need to be accredited by the CSP. To enable us to do this, you should complete the relevant Equality Rep Accreditation Form. 

If you have any questions about the role or want to find out more, please contact the CSP's Equalities Officer, Mehdi Ghassemizadeh, by emailing equalityreps@csp.org.uk. 

Top tips to get started with the role

• Meet with your workplace steward/safety rep to identify workplace Equality issues and discuss potential ways to resolve these
• Consult members to find out which Equity, Diversity and Belonging issues are affecting them
• Ask your steward and/or health and safety rep if there is a WhatsApp group/other reps contact group that you can join
• Access our Bitesized Equalities courses on the CSP Virtual Learning Environment
• Print free, personalised posters and flyers with the CSP Print on Demand service
• And don’t forget to tell us about your workplace wins, however small

Support for equality reps

Our equality reps come from very diverse backgrounds - some of our reps have previously been active in a trade union, while others have no experience of being a rep or organising around equality issues at work. 

Equality reps can access a wide range of support from the CSP to provide the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the role. All new reps will be invited to one of two in-person residential training courses a year, which you should receive paid time off to attend. 

The course has been specifically designed for equality reps and will cover, among other topics, the following:

• The role of an equality rep
• Working with your workplace reps and engaging members
• The Equality Act and recognising different types of discrimination
• How to organise and campaign around Equity, Diversity and Belonging in the workplace

The course is also a fantastic way to meet other reps and build your network, and we strongly encourage all new reps to attend. 

As an equality rep, you can also access support through your regional team, which includes a senior negotiating officer, negotiating officer (in some regions/countries) and trade union organiser. 

Your regional team can help you identify workplace issues and support you in creating a plan to resolve these. New reps can also receive support from our equalities officer, Mehdi Ghassemizadeh. 

The equality rep network is also a great source of support, consisting of equality reps across all countries and regions of the UK. Often, reps find that an issue they are struggling with is something another rep has worked on in the past. 

We are currently working on developing the rep network and finding ways to bring together equality reps both in their regions and across the UK.