Amongst the many organisations in the history of the world’s physiotherapy profession, none have contributed to the profession so profoundly as the United Kingdom’s Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). Founded in 1894 as the Society of Trained Masseuses, the CSP was repeatedly challenged by scandal, patriarchy, war, epidemics and economics to lead physiotherapy on to becoming the third largest global health profession.
The leadership of the CSP itself, through its Council of members, has played a vital role in their success. The Council elects new members for half of its positions every two years and each person elected can serve for four years and then stand for re-election. Subsequently a regular turnover of Council members occurs. At the turn of the twentieth century however, a unique Council (pictured) was formed. Unbeknownst at the time, a leadership incubator was occurring as five members of that Council would go onto serve in the role of the Chair of the CSP.
Whilst it may have been coincidence, a likely significant contributor was the exceptional leadership of the last Chair of the twentieth century (1997 to 1999) Robert (Rob) Jones – pictured in the centre of the front row. What makes Rob’s leadership even more exceptional was that he was blind.
Having been born with a congenital eye condition, Rob graduated from the Royal National Institute of Blind Peoples’ School of Physiotherapy in 1971. He began as a clinician working in cardiothoracics, sports medicine and manual therapy. Later becoming a member of the Manipulation Association Of Chartered Physiotherapists and a tutor and clinical supervisor on the early CSP Manual Therapy Courses.
Quietly spoken, but with strong views, Rob is a natural leader. He undertook a PhD in Management and Leadership in Kent University Business School as an external student simultaneously with his time as Chair of CSP and leading a large District Physiotherapy Service in the South of England.
Rob worked on several UK Department of Health working groups including Information Management & Technology in Allied Health Professions, Referral to Treatment, and Workforce Planning. He worked in four National Health Service (NHS) Regions leading physiotherapy services in two of them and the Allied Health Professions in the one. Following conclusion of his CSP Chair role, Rob became the first physiotherapist in the UK to represent the profession on the newly created regulator of the Allied Health Professions, the Health and Care Professions Council, and was also seconded as the Allied Health Professions’ consultant to the newly created Commission for Health Improvement, the predecessor organisation of the National Care Quality Commission.
Upon leaving the NHS Rob set up JJ Consulting Healthcare Management Ltd, with a colleague, providing consultancy, service reviews masterclasses and presentations nationally and internationally on a wide range of leadership and management topics for Allied Health Professions. Individually and with his business partner Rob has authored around 40 articles and papers, and seven books for Allied Health Professions on a variety of leadership and management topics.
Rob is also a founding member and current executive member of the International Physiotherapy History Association, and is the Lead Governor Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and a Trustee of Moorfields Eye Charity.
The four subsequent leaders of the CSP were, in Rob’s words,
A significantly talented and committed group of physiotherapists dedicated to serving their profession. They were keen to serve the Society and their profession, having great expertise in their own right and areas of physiotherapy.
Nevertheless, the subsequent Chairs that led the CSP into the 21st century were undoubtedly greatly influenced by Rob’s own leadership. They were:
1999 – 2001: Natalie Beswetherick OBE, MBA, FCSP
Natalie was a physiotherapy Manager in Gloucestershire at the time she was Chair and thereafter, successful in gaining full time employment as Director of Practice and Development at the CSP in 2010. In the role she led “key work to modernise the profession” also taking on roles within the World Confederation for Physical Therapy Europe. Natalie retired from her CSP employment in 2021. She was awarded the OBE for distinguished service recognised at National level in 2002. Currently Chair of Gloucestershire Arthritis Trust. Pictured front row, fourth from the right.
2001 – 03: Claire Strickland MCSP
Served on CSP Council for many years having specialised for many years in Workforce Relations (industrial relations). A senior physiotherapy clinician in London she worked in the NHS as St. Bartholomew’s and the London Hospitals lead physiotherapist in neuroscience. Currently leads an UK Medical Imaging Company. Pictured rear row, fourth from the right.
2003 – 05: Grahame Pope M.Phil, MCSP, CertED
A physiotherapy educator at Nottingham School of Physiotherapy and an experienced clinician including acupuncture for pain. Former Chair of the Allied Health Professions Forum in England. Served 8 years as an appointed member of the General Chiropractic Council. Has also worked with the General Pharmaceutical Council and WCPT. Currently involved in local politics, standing for election to his local Council. Pictured rear row, right.
Grahame’s wife later became Chair of Council 2015-2018. The first time a husband and wife had both been CSP Council Chairs.
2005 – 07: Sarah Bazin OBE, FCSP, MHSM
Awarded the OBE and recognised nationally for her contribution to Physiotherapy. Sarah was also lead of the European Region of World Confederation for Physical Therapists (now World Physiotherapy). Sarah is a recognised expert in electrotherapy. Currently Chair of the College of Health and Integrated Medicine in the UK. Pictured middle row, 5th from the right.
