Spotlight on equality

As a long-standing CSP activist, steward and former chair of the industrial relations committee, my current role allows me to combine my passions for physiotherapy and fairness in the workplace. I endeavour to help the society proactively improve equality, diversity and inclusion within the physiotherapy profession and achieve its goal of being actively anti-racist and pro-diversity.

We recently invited members to share their views and experiences of EDI within the workplace and we’ve published a snapshot of the results here. Some of the findings are truly shocking. It is unacceptable that 44 per cent of respondents have experienced or witnessed harassment, victimisation or discrimination in the profession.  

I thank all those who took the time to complete the survey – your insight is invaluable and the results show why we all need to take action. It is yet another reminder that it is not good enough to be passive about improving equality – it is up to each and every one of us to be active in achieving meaningful change. 

As a trade union and professional body working in healthcare it is fundamental to the work of the society to oppose discrimination and support EDI in all its forms. I want to be part of a profession that is taking positive steps towards eliminating discrimination against those with protected characteristics.

The survey forms part of our ongoing work being led by our chief executive, overseen by Council, and informed by CSP diversity networks, members, staff and stakeholders with direct experience of, or insights into, the discrimination and disadvantage faced by minority-group members and their patients. 

Elsewhere in this issue, we focus on sex discrimination at work and highlight the stark health inequalities facing adults with a learning disability. 

For many, this month will be one of reflection as 23 March marks a year since the UK first went into lockdown.

Members have shown great resilience and should be proud of what they have collectively and individually achieved over the past 12 months. 

Our chief executive Karen Middleton gives a timely reminder to listen to those around us and talks about what compassionate leadership means to her.