Future leaders in physiotherapy influencing change at ARC

Charlotte explained how ARC saw over 170 members, including 24 student reps, meet in Manchester where delegates spent two days deliberating and discussing issues related to our profession and workforce. Motions were voted on to direct the future work of CSP Council on policies and campaigns. Pivotal issues such as sustainability, CSP membership, Gaza/Israel, equity, diversity, and belonging were raised throughout the conference. Keynote speakers included Jemima Olchawski (Fawcett Society CEO) and Ricky Tomlinson (Actor and active trade unionist) who further enhanced the experience.

‘ARC unifies members and engenders a supportive and inclusive environment to network with student peers, CSP members and staff and is an opportunity to advocate and promote change,’ said Charlotte.

Student reps at ARC enjoyed a range of leadership development opportunities including:

• Networking with peers and wider CSP membership
• Discussing issues affecting students with CSP CEO, John Cowman
• Attending the CSP Rep of the Year awards dinner
• Leadership lunch with chair of CSP Council, Ishmael Beckford
• Speech writing guidance from prominent activists and staff members within the CSP
• Opportunities for public speaking, both proposing and supporting motions 

Advocating for change

Charlotte said: 'As a student, the ability to speak and move a motion was an empowering opportunity to advocate for change. At the beginning of the year, while on placement in private neuro paediatrics at Positive Steps Physiotherapy, I worked with individuals who have special educational needs, learning disabilities, complex needs, and challenging behaviour. Speaking with parents and individuals developed my awareness of the journey from diagnosis and transitioning from child to adult services and the need for effective communication with clinicians from across the MDT. This experience also highlighted that the healthcare system's approach to disability is currently far from inclusive, and the quality of healthcare for people with such needs can vary widely. 

'Our student members currently receive no training for this. Subsequently my motion called on council to provide guidance and signposting to health education institutes, students and all members around communicating with individuals with learning disabilities and neurodiversity through freely available resources such as the Oliver McGowan Training on Learning Disability and Autism. By raising this motion, I hope to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities for this patient population.'

A unique leadership opportunity

Aisha explained how on the second day, they met with chair of CSP Council, Ishmael Beckford, for a 'leadership lunch' where the decision-making processes within the CSP and how ARC feeds into this was discussed. 

Speaking with Ishmael enabled us to gain insights into the profession, industry trends and how the CSP provides mentorship and guidance for your career growth and development as a leader.

Aisha presented a motion to ARC on behalf of students asking the CSP to give clear guidance to universities on undressing during practical teaching sessions.

'The motion originated from discussions with several students at my university who raised issues including modesty, religion, post-surgical scarring and general feelings of body consciousness. Taking part in an article for Frontline magazine on this topic, I realised that there was no guideline on how to best support students.

'Bringing this motion to conference gave a platform for discussion with members from across the CSP and I was surprised at how many people spoke in favour of the motion while sharing their own experiences. The motion was successfully passed and will now go forward for discussion by council. 

Attending ARC has influenced my thinking on leadership as I had never really considered this previously.

'This was my first public speaking experience, but the environment was very supportive, and the audience gave me a round of applause which boosted my confidence. During the conference, I was also elected as the student representative on the ARC agenda committee which determines the business of ARC, overseeing the motions discussed at future conferences. I feel that I will continue to make a difference in shaping the university experience for students with the strong backing of the CSP.'

The value of the student voice

When  wrapping up the conference, keynote speaker, actor and activist Ricky Tomlinson advised students 'You’ve got to get as involved as you can, tell everyone what your principles are, what sort of a life you want for yourself and everybody else. Get in there!'.

Charlotte's final message for any students: ‘I would implore my fellow students to become CSP student reps and attend ARC in the future. Our student voice is key with universities playing a crucial role in shaping the profession and future workforce. ARC is a positive platform in which we are represented and heard but only where we, as students, are engaged and active. It’s also a fun experience and provides a great opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills.’