Meet your new CSP Council

Caroline Abbott

Over the last four years, I have been employed as a Major Trauma Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) at Salford Royal following completion of a MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice at the University of Salford.

Prior to this, I worked for the complex spinal team, as a major trauma physiotherapist and completed various rotational posts. My clinical interests are traumatic brain injuries, polytrauma and spinal cord injuries.

My role centres on providing holistic patient-centred care through assessment, treatment and facilitating early rehabilitation. I am a nonmedical prescriber.

As the vice co-chair of the Major Trauma Advanced Practice (MTAP) group and an honorary lecturer at the University of Salford, I am passionate about service development, mentorship, and education.

As a Council member, I aim to be an advocate for physiotherapy roles along the patient journey from the Emergency Department to Rehabilitation.

And as a proud ACP, I am dedicated to encouraging physiotherapists to pursue ACP roles nationally, and this will be a key focus of mine.

Robert Davies

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank members who sent their votes and am delighted to have been voted onto Council.

As a Parkinsons’ Specialist Practitioner and Regional Steward, I’ve supported members locally within my Trust, other stewards throughout the South West and held a strategic role on the National Group of Regional Stewards.

Additionally, as an active trade unionist, I am passionate about ensuring members’ voices are heard, have supported members to attend ARC and have myself presented motions at both ARC and the Trades Union Congress.

Outside of my role in the NHS, I am a visiting lecturer at two universities, teaching on the Physiotherapy and Non-Medical Prescribing courses.

As a member of Council, I will continue to ensure that member views are represented from across the profession, at all levels, and will work with the CSP staff and other

Council members to ensure the organisation continues to support the development of the profession and its members.

Claire Small

Originally from Australia, I’ve been a private practitioner in London for 30 years, 20 of those as the Founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Pure Sports Medicine, a group of eight multidisciplinary clinics across London.

This has allowed me to develop a solid knowledge of finance, governance, professional development, risk management and strategy.

I have led contract negotiations with insurance companies, corporate groups and other organisations. Alongside clinical work, I am a postgraduate lecturer on various MSc programmes and co-led the MACP course for membership for many years.

I believe that high-quality education is essential for the development of our profession. I’ve worked with the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine, the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine and the CSP and the MACP on numerous strategic projects, including delivering national and international conferences.

I am passionate about our profession, hardworking and willing to speak up and voice my opinion. It’s an honour and a privilege to represent you on Council.

Alexandra Spearritt 

Having been a member of Council since 2021, I’ve held the role of Vice Chair since December 2022.

I work full time as the Deputy Divisional Director of AHPs at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Trust, I’m a mum and an active trade unionist.

I have worked in private and NHS sectors, across paediatric and adult service, and taken on a range of CSP roles, including health and safety rep, workplace steward and regional steward.

I also engaging with members across our networks, committees, HEI’s, workplaces, rallies and events such as Pride.

I’m passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion, as well as leadership development for students, support workers and registered members.

Three years as a Council member has allowed me to understand every aspect of the organisation and build strong relationships with the CSP Staff and Leadership Team.

I remain motivated to make a difference to members, patients and our profession by empowering and engaging with our diverse membership to strengthen our collective voice.

Jill Taylor

I am an NHS clinical team lead, specialising in hand therapy.

I am also the Freedom to Speak up guardian for Newcastle upon Tyne hospitals where I have worked since 2000.

I have been an active workplace representative and strong trade unionist for over 23 years; working tirelessly as a staff advocate during this time. I am an active member of our trusts staffside group as vice chair.

As an active CSP member, I have been part of the national group of regional stewards for over 20 years, leading the North East region, and have been the chair of this group since 2018. I represent the CSP and its members as a lay member of the NHS staff council and I chair the Employment committee.

I am passionate about the employment of all physiotherapists – within the NHS, private and voluntary sectors.

I am dedicated to our profession, I am happy to challenge and I am certainly happy to have difficult conversations.

Manessa Faal

Thank you for your votes. I work in musculoskeletal outpatients within the NHS, alongside this role I work as a veterinary physiotherapist, providing physiotherapy consultancy for large and small animals across South Wales.

I am also part of the CSP’s Welsh Race Equality Group, Welsh Board and I am a steward.

I believe equality and equity are integral to the success of our profession. We must ensure we are building a profession which is reflective of the populations we serve.

Currently, I am the chair of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), a CSP professional Network advocating for members specialising in Animal Physiotherapy.

I am extremely passionate about advocating and raising the profile for our profession. Making a difference is integral to who I am and has been a key driver within my steward and leadership role within ACPAT. I aim to make a difference to the physiotherapy profession and our practice, striving for excellence in clinical practice and standards of care.

Chris Richards

I am proud to be a CSP associate member. My son is neurodiverse, and I will always champion and support progressions for people with neurodiversity. I am fluent in Welsh and promote the Welsh language.

I work in Community Physiotherapy which has granted me experience in treating a range of conditions. I have also supported patients on numerous medical wards.

Before joining the NHS, I worked in the fitness industry as a personal trainer alongside being a duty manager. I recently completed the Level 4 Therapies Diploma university pilot course; being a pioneer on this has now made this course develop throughout Wales.

I was one of the first members of the CSP support worker reference group and helped CSP staff to transition to a new network called the Associates Network and I was elected chair of this network.

I am also an ambassador for the Stronger My Way campaign and was a picket line supervisor at the CSP 4 Fair Pay campaign.

Senthil Karadiar

The true strength of CSP lies in its members’ collective voice. Like many of you, I have been disappointed with the CSP at times. However, the CSP is a members-led organisation, and it is up to us to shape its direction and priorities.

As a physiotherapist from BAME background, with 24 years experience, I have supported countless colleagues in navigating workplace challenges and advancing their careers. My role as a Borough Councillor since 2023 has equipped me with invaluable skills in advocacy, community engagement, and policymaking.

I will be your voice within the council, ensuring that your concerns, expectations, and aspirations are heard. I am committed to finding common ground to drive positive change.

I aim to prioritise efforts to address pay issues and ensure our profession receives equitable remuneration; advocate for measures that support and empower private practices and work collaboratively with partners to clarify, strengthen the boundaries and role of our profession, ensuring physiotherapists can practice with confidence and clarity.