Physio First membership is open to self-employed physiotherapists, and those physiotherapists who work for them, in private practice across the United Kingdom.
Physio First is run by volunteers and Community Representatives are one group of these volunteers. They are the key link between members and our executive committee.
Community Representatives used to be known as Regional Officers, although the title has changed the role has had minimal alteration. Prior to the pandemic it was already clear that the world had changed and regions were no longer a necessity – we could email, chat and meet with anyone from any region. Covid-19 only made this clearer.
As a group they are here to communicate with members on regular basis – this allows them to understand what is important to members and feed this forward to our executive BUT also allows them to keep members up to date on the often unseen work that is going on within Physio First. This makes Community Representatives a cornerstone of Physio First, they play a key role in our organisation’s success and help to plan and deliver our future.
They communicate with members in numerous ways, Zoom, email, phone and social media. Specific member queries to our office might be directed to a community representative for further support by phone or email. They also run regular Zoom meetings on case studies, peer support and relevant market place topics.
Community Representatives meet together virtually on a regular basis as well as in person 2-3 times a year. This allows them to discuss how best they can support members and identify areas that Physio First can offer further help. They also attend Physio First committee meetings where they meet with our executive and other volunteer teams to represent the members. Our Community Representatives look at all opportunities as well as potential threats facing our members and take part in discussions and debates on meeting any challenges.
Our Community Representatives are supported by, and have regular contact with, our Chair, Vice Chair, Strategic & Business Lead, Hon Community Representative Lead and our Physio First office team.
Being a Community Representative is a great way to be part of a team to help private physiotherapists. It gives Physio First members the opportunity to learn new skills covering business and commercial decisions. It also develops their knowledge of how private practice works around the country and internationally.
So if you’re a member who would like to be more involved in the running of Physio First, to help shape our future and be the voice of our regional members, please contact our Hon Community Representative Lead Lucinda Brock: ro.rep@physiofirst.org.uk or our Chair Karen Lay: chairman@physiofirst.org.uk