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Equality and diversity

Equality and diversity principles are central to the work we do on your behalf to eliminate all forms of inequality and discrimination from physiotherapy workplaces.

New Equality & Diversity Toolkit

We have just published an accessible and user-friendly resource for key information on equality and diversity issues. It's aimed at all members including clinicians, managers, stewards, safety reps, educators, associates and students. The toolkit guides you through equalities law and best practice in the workplace, and helps provide the confidence to start discussions and raise awareness.

See the toolkit publication record on this site to download a copy in either Word or PDF format. Please see a list of other relevant publications at the bottom of this page.

Need help?

If you are facing problems at work, the first step is usually to find out what employer policies you are covered by, and then if necessary contact your local steward for advice. CSP stewards have been trained to deal with members’ problems, including harassment and discrimination. In complex cases, stewards will be supported by fulltime Senior Negotiating Officers and we also have access to professional legal services.

Employees are protected against all forms of discrimination and harassment by comprehensive legislation, which includes religion, age and sexual orientation. The Government introduced a Single Equality Bill in 2008 which drew together all the strands into a single new draft law.

CSP members working in NHS organisations are also covered by a comprehensive set of agreements outlined in the NHS Terms and Conditions Handbook.

We have set up networks for disabled members, black and minority ethnic members, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members. We also have an Equality and Diversity Group which is a standing committee of the Industrial Relations Committee.

NHS Staff Council Equalities & Diversity Sub-group

The NHS Staff Council set up this Sub-group as part of the Agenda for Change agreement. Membership of the sub-group includes staff side representatives from various trade unions including the CSP. There are also representatives from NHS Employers, Department of Health and various NHS employing organisations in England. There are nominees from the Health Departments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

One of the sub-group’s first tasks has been to undertake an equality impact assessment of the implementation of Agenda for Change to assess whether its aims of achieving fair pay and improving equal opportunity and diversity have been met.

The sub-group remit also includes ensuring that the equalities sections of the Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions Handbook (covering sections such as maternity leave, paternity leave, special leave etc) are consistent with best practice and developments in equalities legislation. The sub-group makes recommendations to the NHS Staff Council on adjustments and additions to the national agreements where required.