Group recognition

Clinical interest and occupational groups are formed by grass roots members, often in response to a perceived 'gap in the market'. Members wishing to form a group are advised to put a note in Frontline inviting members with a similar interest/working in the same occupational area to make contact.

If a group is viable, the group organiser is advised to contact a professional adviser at the CSP to inform the Society of the existence of the group. Basic information about the group will then be logged on the CI/OG database to facilitate communication between the CSP, the group and the wider membership.

Before applying for recognition, a group would need to fulfil a number of criteria including:

  • the group has a minimum of 50 subscribers of chartered physiotherapists, and will have been in existence for at least 2 years
  • the group represents physiotherapy within a distinct field of physiotherapy clinical practice or a specified occupational area
  • that the group's achievements and future action plan are directly related to the role of the CI/OG network (e.g. CPD, research, quality assurance, promoting physiotherapy)
  • that the group has an executive structure and a mechanism for regional networking

 

These criteria have been agreed as a means of ensuring that any group recognised is viable and as a means of ensuring that it represents a clinical field or occupational area within physiotherapy practice.

Applications for recognition are considered by the Professional Practice Committee. Recognition is offered for 5 years.

Once recognised, groups are eligible to a number of benefits including:

  • A seat at the quarterly CIGLC
  • Representation at the Annual Representatives Conference (CIGLC has 84 seats - these are allocated to individual groups on a sliding scale based on the groups' membership)
  • Annual CI/OG conference
  • £2 capitation/member in recognition of the work done by the group on behalf of the CSP

 

Groups wanting to apply for recognition are advised to contact a professional adviser through the Enquiry Handling Unit, 020 7306 6666, for further information and advice about the application process.