Why you should join us

Sylvia Wojciechowski: Our CSP Council aims to fully represent all our members. If you notice gaps in the current representation, seize this excellent opportunity to step up. It is a wonderful experience, offering abundant openings for personal growth, meaningful connections, and the ability to shape our profession. 

I have benefited from numerous new and enriching experiences, such as attending and learning from various meetings and listening to members through the country board meetings and engaging with our future workforce at universities. This not only provides invaluable networking but has also broadened my understanding of issues beyond my usual scope of work. I have translated this learning back into my day job, which has proved so beneficial in influencing key stakeholders. 

This role instils a sense of collective responsibility and offers an amazing platform to positively influence our profession’s trajectory. So, if you’re eager to be part of this, I recommend putting yourself forward.

Jack Chew: The CSP Council’s role is often misunderstood, and its influence is always underestimated. To be genuinely ‘member-led’, as we like to promote, we need thoughtful and ambitious colleagues to join us. We are at an exciting inflection point as an organisation and profession, so if you’re keen to see us take the opportunities we deserve then do consider running. 

My time on council has been hugely rewarding, including in some ways that have surprised me.

It has helped me to see the profession in its fullest and to identify ways in which policies and promotion could lift all disciplines and sectors. Personal growth in areas of finance, strategy and risk have greatly benefited my day job, but above all else it is the furthering of negotiation, diplomacy and pragmatic skills that have enhanced my experience.

Kelly Walker: Do you want to have a voice and make a difference? If you feel passionate about our profession and want to influence our strategic direction, then this is the role for you. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know and experience collaborative working with my council member colleagues and the CSP leadership and governance teams.

The role offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth in leadership skills, and I have learned so much about finances, risk and strategy writing, alongside the important workings of union representation. My confidence in communication has also increased through having my voice heard during consultation and decision-making. 

Council must represent the diversity of the membership and I would strongly encourage everyone to consider standing. You will be joining a supportive team. I am thoroughly enjoying this experience and continue to be inspired every day. I urge you to consider joining us too.

Srikesavan Sabapathy: So far, my volunteer role as a CSP Council member has been exciting and rewarding. I consider it as an opportunity to give back to the profession which has given so much to me. 

The invaluable strategic experience I have gained from this role has helped me in my current job as a senior commissioning manager, which involves strategic work. In fact, you gain so many transferable skills that you can carry to any area or nature of work. 

The experience I have gained from my council role has also helped me progress my career. Future employers would highly value this board-level experience. 

Council members bring a breadth of experience to the table, and we learn from each other.  A diverse council is required to represent the diverse nature of the membership. 

I look forward to continuing my journey on CSP Council for the next few years and sincerely hope that you would join me.

Gill Rawlinson

I have really enjoyed being on council so far. I had previously worked at the CSP, so I had a good understanding of the organisation, however, I have developed my knowledge and transferable skills including around finance, strategic leadership, and governance. It hasn’t always been easy – the role holds significant responsibility and we’ve had to consider some really big and complex issues, but it is a privilege to be representing members.

The CSP belongs to all of us, and there is no greater opportunity to influence and shape our wonderful profession

I’ve made some great new colleagues and friends. The role does require time, but this is very fulfilling and rewarding, and certainly builds your communications skills and networks. We get to meet members and hear directly about issues affecting you most. The CSP belongs to all of us, and there is no greater opportunity to influence and shape our wonderful profession. Why not join us?