Find out about the purpose and structure of the networks and how they operate, including how members are elected to leadership roles and how they connect throughout the year.
The CSP has three diversity networks:
- Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME)
- DisAbility
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual plus (LGBTQIA+)
Structure of the networks
Following a review of all CSP networks, in December 2021, CSP Council agreed to a new model constitution for the CSP diversity networks. The new constitution brought the diversity networks structures in line with other CSP networks such as the regional networks, and gave access to additional resources. Read the diversity network constitutions, which detail each network's purpose, membership eligibility, and the election process for network committees:
Finances
The CSP allocates annual funding to each diversity network, starting with a core amount of £3,600 per network, along with an additional £800 for networks with a UK-wide remit.
The financial year for the diversity networks runs from January 1 to December 31.
Any unspent funds will be credited to the applicable network budget for the following year. However, if reserves exceed £4,000, the network will be unable to access additional funds until the reserves fall below that threshold.
Each diversity network committee must confirm their intended expenditure with the diversity engagement officer.
Network members can claim expenses related to diversity network duties, provided they are supported by itemised receipts, excluding minor business travel expenses.
If the CSP requests the network to participate in activities, such as sending members to a TUC event, these costs will be covered by existing CSP budgets rather than the network budget.
How we connect
We gather at least twice a year for individual network meetings, joint activities on shared interests, and annual events like the TUC equality conferences and Pride. More information can be found below on key events.
Members actively engage through private channels like iCSP and WhatsApp, sharing ideas and updates on equality and diversity topics and events. For more details, visit the individual network pages linked at the top of this page.
Annual General Meetings (AGMs)
Each diversity network holds an AGM each calendar year. The business of the AGM shall be:
- To elect the chair, vice-chair and up to 10 other members to plan and deliver the work of the network and to act as a link between members in the network and the CSP nationally.
- To consider any other business.
- The AGM and elections will be advertised, as a minimum, via iCSP and by an email to all eligible members not less than seven days before the date of the meeting.
Annual Diversity Networks Day
- A joint diversity network development day designed to promote collaboration among CSP diversity networks, cultivate a supportive community, and empower activists to effect change.
- Taking place annually in September, usually from 10 AM to 4 PM, with in-person attendance and hybrid options available when feasible.
- Attendance is free, and the CSP covers travel expenses. Lunch will be provided, and accommodation and subsistence needs are addressed on a case-by-case basis.
Trade Union Congress (TUC) equality conferences
- The diversity networks are encouraged to attend and submit motions to the TUC equality conferences: Black Workers, Disabled Workers and LGBT+.
- TUC equality conferences provide an opportunity for any CSP member to shape the work of the TUC and affiliate trade unions. Each year, we send a small delegation to conference and submit motions on relevant topics. Topics in recent years have included reasonable adjustments, international physio recruits and flexible working.
- Contact the National Officer, Siân Caulfield for more information about the process and conference dates.
Annual Representative Conference (ARC)
ARC is a national CSP conference held annually and provides an opportunity for those who represent members to discuss and debate matters of importance to members and the services the CSP offers through the submission of motions. Not everyone is allowed to submit a motion, the diversity networks are one of the approved groups that can submit an ARC motion. It’s an excellent opportunity for members to have their say and influence CSP policies and direction.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to go to the fringe meetings that take place outside of the conference. These are on topics not included in the main conference but which focus on policy (i.e. support worker recruitment, rehabilitation, etc.), and are selected by the ARC Agenda Committee from proposals submitted by the delegations.
The diversity networks act on behalf of the CSP membership body to ensure representation and the presence of diverse voices at the ARC. Each network can send a delegation of up to two to attend. These are two fully paid for places.
The delegation can respond to relevant motions at ARC on behalf of members, along with submitting up to a maximum of three motions. Council will also attend ARC.
- Read the full ARC constitution.
ARC motions
Motions are formal proposals which are voted on at ARC. Once accepted by ARC they are called resolutions and become the policy of the Conference, therefore, they need to be worded clearly. However, as ARC is an advisory body to the CSP’s democratically elected Council, ARC resolutions are not automatically mandatory on Council.
Stonewall workplace conference
- The LGBTQIA+ network can choose to send members to the Stonewall workplace annual conference. Budget to attendance should be discussed with the National Officer, Siân Caulfield.
- Find out more about the Stonewall conference
Visit the CSP Events listing to find out about upcoming events and how to register.