The CSP organising team have been busy these past months visiting workplaces across the UK to engage with members, understand your concerns, and ensure that your voices are heard.
Starting in the spring with a larger five-person team, we will have got to over 100 workplaces by the end of the year in meetings attended by approximately 1,000 physiotherapists and support staff - in addition to holding dozens of virtual meetings with you. It has been an inspiring and energising experience.
Lack of space to work, parking, equipment and staffing shortages, workload pressures and burnout, and on call policies were among the top issues cited by physios and support workers. We also heard about barriers to career progression; for example, members in Scotland raised accessing mentorship for new graduates.
I was particularly enthused by a series of visits in Wales in August together with CSP CEO John Cowman and other CSP staff. At University Hospital Wales and Ysbyty Fawr, members also emphasised local challenges such as the availability of Welsh-language resources in healthcare settings.
All these discussions gave us a clearer understanding of the day-to-day realities faced by CSP members and how we can better support them.
Reflecting on the conversations, John Cowman told me: 'The engagement we’ve seen here is inspiring. Hearing directly from members allows us to advocate with real authority and ensures we’re focusing on what matters most to them.'
One of the most significant outcomes from our Wales visit was John’s meeting with Ruth Crowder chief allied health professions adviser to the Welsh government. Armed with insights from members, John was able to speak directly to concerns about CPD access, professional development, and ensuring fair funding for physiotherapy services in Wales.
Another really positive thing that has come out of our visits is a strong interest from members in taking on steward and safety rep roles. Members stepping up in this way is vital for building a stronger, more organised CSP.
As organisers, we will have our work cut out. Working with reps, we are committed to widen and deepen our work with you, to engage with local managers and leads where there are grievances and to support you where you want to campaign around local issues that matter to you. And we will continue to ensure what we hear locally is taken into account when national strategies and plans are formed and reviewed.
You’ve already helped us – and yourselves - massively by just taking the time out to talk to us when we come your neck of the woods. Please make sure you keep in touch with your local CSP reps.
I’d like all readers to do one more thing for me this month to help us build that stronger voice for physiotherapy in your workplace and beyond: speak to a colleague and ask them if they are a member – and if they are not a union member tell them why you think they should join the CSP today. Get support with member recruitment
We know from insight on CSP members this conversation is often the most important driver to joining. And in October there is something extra special in it for you this month with our double refer and reward incentive
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