Students take on a unique skill development opportunity at CSP

Commenting on the developmental opportunities the placements will provide, CSP professional adviser and placement practice educator Tamsin Baird said:

‘These placements will offer the students a unique opportunity to better understand what we do at the CSP and add a very much valued student perspective to our work.

‘This includes providing a meaningful contribution to projects with data collection and analysis, the production of resources to guide and support members, contribution towards our Equity, Diversity and Belonging Strategy and one-to-one coaching sessions with chief executive Karen Middleton.

The learning is two-way – as their drive and enthusiasm is really contagious and their insights will greatly enhance our work

So who are the students and what projects will they be working on? Let’s hand over to them to find out more:

• Chris Parton is a second year MSc student who is studying at Keele University

• Jack Griffin is a first  year MSc student, studying at the University of Cumbria

• Natalie Chan is a second year BSc student, studying at Manchester Metropolitan University

Their placement projects

The students are working in pairs on two different projects. First up, Jack explain the project:

‘Our project focuses on the soon to be launched Common Placement Assessment Form (CPAF).

'This is a new standardised form to assess students on placement – rather than having different forms from different universities, the aim is to have one.

We feel this will help consistency, make it easier for students and educators and also empower physiotherapy students to really take control of their own learning

'We will be helping this by evaluating CPAF from a student perspective and creating a brand-new downloadable guidance document to support students using it on placement. It will be written for students by students.’

The project offers Jack the opportunity to collaborate with peers as well as various members of the CSP and directly shape and influence future student experiences on placements nationally.

Meanwhile, Natalie and Chris are working within the CSP’s community rehabilitation work stream. They explain that their project is to ‘help increase awareness of community rehabilitation across the student population.

We will be demonstrating the importance of community rehabilitation to students, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and Long Covid, and highlighting that the clinical area is very much an attractive career offer.

'We aim to create resources for the wider student population and showcase this hugely important area of physiotherapy.’

A chance to gain essential skills

The CSP placement offers the students essential skills for their development as physiotherapists, while at the same time shaping the profession they are stepping into.

Chris, Jack and Natalie explain some of these skills in more detail.    

Natalie says:

‘This placement will give me the opportunity to sharpen my interpersonal skills especially in communication.

'Working with my colleagues remotely has allowed me to focus on delivering my thoughts and ideas clearly, and this skill can be used throughout my whole career as a physiotherapist.’

Jack says:

 ‘Working directly with the CSP will be a vastly unique experience, offering not only insight from experienced physiotherapists, but a platform for me to learn from fellow students across the UK.

'The experiences I am gaining while working in varying different teams is providing me with skills I will bring forward into my career as a physiotherapist, while at the same time further feeding my passion for the profession.’

Chris says:

‘I am excited to help promote Community Rehabilitation as the truly fantastic career offer it can be, and educate students about what is involved, the career progression opportunities, and how important it is to the wider community.

This placement with the CSP will definitely allow me to develop my creativity in a way that may not have been possible in a clinical setting

A win-win situation

Commenting on the placements, CSP assistant director Gill Rawlinson said: ‘This is an invaluable opportunity for the students to build a range of core skills including communication, problem solving and leadership skills whilst allowing them to gain insight and influence a range of issues within the profession.

They also bring with them skills and experiences which will enhance and shape the work we do. It’s a win-win for everyone!