Continuing to innovate

This month, at the final council meeting of the year, we will be discussing two big topics which will have implications for the profession in the future. 

Both artificial intelligence and advanced practice are areas of physiotherapy that are rapidly developing and have broad consequences for physiotherapy. We have engaged with members along the way in the development of the CSP position on both topics, which are to be decided on by council. 

We have held round tables with our professional networks and engaged with experts on these topics to ensure we have a contemporary position that reflects the views, concerns and ambition of our brilliant profession. 

I am clear that as a profession we must be mindful of risks along the way, but we must not stifle our own development. Physiotherapy has been a beacon of innovation since its beginnings, and we should not stop now. 

This year we had a significant breakthrough with NHS England agreeing to the development of safe staffing guidance for AHPs. This is as a direct result of members’ strike action and part of the non-pay deal that was created following your bravery. Everyone that stood on a picket line should be proud, not only in the result on pay, but also the impact it will have on patient care. 

The CSP also recently launched guidance on the treatment of transgender patients, which demonstrates our continued commitment not only to equity, diversity and belonging, but also to addressing health inequalities. We have developed a number of examples of how members can tackle health inequality, with more resources to come in 2025. 

Finally, I’d like to highlight Disability History Month (14 Nov- 20 Dec). As a profession that strives to improve people’s lives, this month we're reflecting on and celebrating the changes that have been made to make the UK more inclusive of people with disabilities – including healthcare, study and work.