Strong leaders, student voice

The CSP’s relaunched student reps programme, with an updated approach to strengthening the connection between the CSP and physiotherapy students, was established a year ago. Twelve months on, 97 students from 66 higher education institutions across the UK have stepped forward; amplifying the voices of our future physiotherapists and supporting CSP campaigns.

Rob Yeldham, director of strategy, policy and engagement at the CSP – commenting at the time of the reintroduction of student reps late last year after a break – said that student reps are vital to enhancing the two-way engagement between the CSP and its members. Being a student rep often results in lifelong activism, which benefits all members, he added. ‘Our student reps were among the most active in getting information from the CSP back out to our members, and working with colleagues to do that,’ he said at the time. ‘The more we included student reps, the more we could do for our members.’ 

The role involves representing fellow students as the designated CSP contact; communicating information from the CSP and promoting engagement; networking by attending online meetings, promoting and assisting with CSP-led events; and developing relationships with key contacts. 

Student reps are supported by CSP staff to develop their personal and professional skills, including being able to apply for funded places at CSP-led conferences and professional development training on topics such as influencing their community, and promoting equity, diversity and belonging in physiotherapy. 

Reflecting on progress a year on, Rob Ledger, assistant director for strategic communications at the CSP, said that building community among students and with the wider membership of the CSP was a key objective. ‘Student reps are vital to the CSP’s work and student physiotherapists are valuable members of the community. We aim to provide them with a sense of belonging, so both they and we flourish,’ says Rob. ‘They are in turn in an ideal position to help their fellow physio students feel connected to the CSP and fulfil an important role. 

‘We are giving a voice to students and their needs. It’s great to see the enthusiasm student reps bring, and we are constantly learning from them about the challenges they face. We are using this to shape our offer to student reps, providing unique opportunities for them to gain leadership and influencing skills. We want to help them grow both now, during their studies and then throughout their future careers.

‘In the months ahead, we’ll be introducing a new network of regional student reps, with an aim to facilitate stronger connections for students with CSP regional networks.’ 

By being at the heart of an active community they help the profession sustain and grow, he said. 

Ethan Pereira is beginning the second year of a physiotherapy course at the University of Essex. He has been a student rep for a year now. 

‘We are elected at the start of the year as a combination of messenger and “in-between guy” for students and the CSP. We may get feedback from students, which we can act on; so, for example, we heard that many students use the CSP ePortfolio but didn’t like the layout, so we fed that back and now the CSP are working on it.  

‘When I volunteered, I had to give a brief description of why I thought I should be chosen. There was a vote between three of us going for it and I was picked. I was very excited, and it’s been great so far. Being a student rep has given me the chance to network at events. At the East of England leadership conference event, you could meet many different students and professionals and new people, which was fun.’  

‘I’m interested in all CSP events. I attended the Annual Representative Conference (ARC) in June – it was a great networking opportunity as I met students from other universities; it also allowed me to see the inner workings of the CSP and how the CSP ensures that it remains a member-led organisation. 

‘I will also attend the student conference on 10 October, to meet more people from different courses. Another upcoming event I will be at is the joint diversity day in September at the CSP office in London, with the BAME,disability and LGBTQIA+ networks attending.

‘Being a student rep has benefited me personally, as beforehand I didn’t enjoy social interaction, but it has helped me with that and helped me with speaking in public, and has also improved my self-confidence.

I would recommend being a student rep. It pushed me out of my comfort zone but gave me good skills as I am on the autistic spectrum; it was “sink or swim” time so I threw myself in the deep end!

Another student rep, Zaiba Abid,  who is studying at University College Birmingham, outlined the benefits.  

She said: ‘For me, becoming a student rep helped me settle into my first year and get to know my peers. I can be quite anxious, so it has helped my social skills and supported me in making connections.  

‘At this point, I am comfortable in my role and confident in advocating for myself and other students.

I would highly recommend getting involved as the role doesn’t require a high commitment in terms of time, but it allows you to build connections in the professional world which may come very useful in the future.

Lucy Meyer, studying at the University of East Anglia, said: ‘It’s opened me up to so many opportunities such as networking

events with my region, and helped me learn more about the opportunities around ARC and annual conference. It has been a challenge to keep up with university work, placement and keeping updated as a student rep, but one of the positives about being a student rep is the ongoing support they provide to all the students, and they constantly improve where they can. 

'I would definitely recommend being a student rep, it provides you with so many opportunities as well as general support. You develop skills as a leader and advocate for your cohort.'

Lauren Dovey has just finished her third year at the University of Huddersfield for a physiotherapy BSc (Hons) degree.  

She said: ‘I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my role as a CSP rep. I’ve attended regular meetings with student reps across the country, which has been a great networking opportunity, and it’s given me insight into the experiences of physiotherapy students at different universities.’ 

‘As reps we allow the student voice to be heard. We relay experiences from students in our cohorts and share our own perspectives. Being in my final year of my degree, I have found that the experience of being a CSP rep has been invaluable in job applications, and I would urge anyone interested to go for it!’

Aisha Saeed reflects on her experiences as a delegate at the CSP Annual Representatives Conference (ARC) in Manchester where over 170 members, including 24 student reps, spent two days deliberating and discussing issues related to the profession and workforce.  

Aisha, a physiotherapy sports and exercise medicine student at the University of Bradford, said: ‘We met with chair of CSP Council, Ishmael Beckford, for a leadership lunch where we discussed the decision-making processes within the CSP and how ARC feeds into this. Speaking with Ishmael allowed 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 titled 'Time to address the act of undressing.'

I realised that we needed more guidance 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,’ said Aisha.

‘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, and I’ve been asked to be one of the hosts at this year’s CSP Student Conference! I feel that I will continue to make a difference in shaping the university experience for students with the strong backing of the CSP.’