What it means to be chartered

The value of being a CSP chartered member goes beyond having insurance and trade union support, as the experiences of these members reveal. Being a chartered physiotherapist can also have a positive impact on your professional and personal growth, whilst providing you with valuable opportunities and support within the CSP community.

Adam Gold, clinical lead, North Somerset MSK interface service

‘To be chartered reflects the hard work and effort it takes to be an autonomous qualified physiotherapist. It shows the level of knowledge and skill held by an individual in an outstanding profession. 

‘Being chartered means belonging to a supportive, forward-thinking, innovative group of clinicians, educators and researchers striving for best patient care. 

‘While being chartered provides essential PLI, professional, and union support, membership brings much more than that. There are benefits such as library services, iCSP, the mentorship scheme, and the leadership development programme. 

‘Being a member also offers the chance to influence the direction of the profession through getting involved with networks, stewarding, health and safety representation, and even council. Being chartered has the potential to open doors and enhance your career that I simply wouldn’t have had without membership.’ 

Seun Ogunkunle, clinical educator, Central and North West London NHS Trust

‘I came to the UK working as a senior physiotherapist 16 years ago and being able to feel part of a community was paramount for me. Joining the CSP as a chartered member has been one of the best career decisions I have made. 

‘Practising in a new country and within a new team can be quite daunting but as a member, the CSP has been there for me to provide support, security, and to represent my voice. Being able to network with the wider physiotherapy community and to share evidence-based knowledge, practice and skills has been very valuable. 

‘It’s not just important for physiotherapists to be chartered, it is imperative.  

‘The benefits for me have been unquantifiable over the years. Being a chartered member has meant that I have been able to practice with ease thanks to the support available whenever I need it.’

Charlotte Hayers, MSK physiotherapist, Crawley Hospital, Sussex Community Trust  

‘To be a chartered physiotherapist makes me proud of everything I have achieved because it is a protected title. Being a member of the CSP community has allowed me to become a part of regional network groups, given me opportunities to attend events, network with the wider profession and has given me a voice to make change. 

‘Being a member of this large and supportive organisation helps you to impact the future of the industry. 

‘It gives me a feeling of pride for the profession as you are trusted to promote health and wellbeing to the highest standard.       

‘Through my membership, I have accessed research and libraries, joined training courses, utilised the online resources, kept my CPD portfolio organised and up to date, and even got exclusive deals and discounts.’