Safety reps

CSP safety reps represent CSP members on all matters relating to their health and safety at work and ensure that management fulfil their obligations under health and safety legislation.

There are safety reps in NHS and independent hospitals, the community, private healthcare companies, and private practice, universities, industry, non-profit organisations, the Ministry of Defence, the prison, police and fire services and many other workplaces.

Depending on the size and nature of your workplace you may have one or several safety reps. For example, 40 members in a large acute trust with one site may be represented by just one CSP safety rep. Conversely, the same number of members in a community trust with nine sites may need three to four safety reps. The CSP is happy to accredit and train as many safety reps as you can show a necessity for.

CSP safety reps are a key part of the team that forms the trade union function of the Society. Supported by staff from Employment Relations & Union Services (ERUS) safety reps, along with CSP stewards, strive to improve the working conditions for all of our members, locally and nationally.

Whether you are a new or experienced safety rep, on this page you will find information and signposts to a range of resources that will help you in your role as a CSP safety rep.

Not a safety rep?

If you are a CSP member and are in need of a safety rep or are interested in finding out more about the CSP's employment relations and union services, see more about support in the workplace.

Who can be a safety representative?

Any fully paid-up CSP member, physiotherapist or assistant, can be a safety rep. However, the CSP does not encourage members with substantial management responsibilities, or duties under health and safety legislation, to be safety reps, as there is a conflict of interest.

Safety reps are elected for two years, although the CSP hopes that you will be re-elected in order to build up experience and continuity.

Become a safety rep

"I chose to be a safety rep as part of my CPD. It is a good way to increase knowledge of how the department, hospital and trust work as well as being more involved in the CSP, both on a local and national level. I enjoy being able to raise concerns on behalf of members and being part of the solution to ensure a healthier and safe working environment. I also enjoy assisting members in queries about the CSP or particular policies at work and being a link between staff and management, not just within physiotherapy." Claire Smith, CSP safety rep

To become a safety rep you need to be nominated by your CSP colleagues in your workplace and elected. Once elected, you need to be accredited by the CSP. You can complete an accreditation form online.