Shaping the profession

What does an education representative do?

• offer support during the development of new programmes, and ad-hoc advice when needed.
• form the QAE network, coming together four times a year for discussion meetings as well as an annual development day. These focus on reviewing updates to education-related policy, guidance and regulatory requirements, as well as AQR themes and outcomes.
• join online panels, with small groups reviewing operational business, such as accreditations, programme changes, and education representative applications.

Helen Batty: principal lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University

I have been an education representative since 2019. It has been a great opportunity to support the CSP in their quality assurance of physiotherapy educational programmes. 

I am linked with two universities and work as a critical friend for their programmes. 

I have been involved in re-approval events and support programme teams to ensure their programmes are contemporary and meet the needs of the future physiotherapy workforce in the ever-changing healthcare climate. The role also involves reviewing Annual Quality Review (AQR) data and writing a short report, attending the QAE meetings a few times a year, and attending an annual development day. 

The role enables me to view the national picture of physiotherapy education and to work with the CSP education team.

It enables me to learn and share best practice and bring innovations back to my own institution.

I have built relationships with the CSP education team and education reps from across the country, leading to some helpful working partnerships.  The time commitment is small compared to the gains in terms of my own continued professional development and the benefits for my institution. I would encourage others to take on the role.

Jane Hislop: co-programme director, simulation based clinical education, Edinburgh Napier University

I’ve been an education representative since 2020. I became aware of the importance of this role through my own experience of having invaluable support from our CSP education representative when I was developing a new pre-registration MSc in physiotherapy.  I found it very beneficial to have the opportunity to discuss and share my aspiration and concerns and valued being able to draw on their expert advice, guidance and mentorship.  

As an education representative, I try to use my own experiences to offer support and give an external perspective.

I’ve found it really enjoyable to get to know another physiotherapy programme and the programme team and to hear how they have managed the challenges common to many programmes. For example, managing the pressures that come with increasing student numbers to meet the growing need for physiotherapists within health and social care, and the need to explore innovative ways to increase placement capacity. 

I’ve gained a lot personally and professionally from this experience. I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet and discuss aspects of physiotherapy education with other representatives and feel privileged to be in a position where I can have an impact on the quality of physiotherapy education for our future workforce. This is something I feel very passionate about.