At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research and policy work to support fair pay and improve working lives for physiotherapy staff.
- Company: Join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, a leading body in healthcare representation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of physiotherapy professionals while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial relations and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 29075 - 30268 £ per year.
£29,075 (£58,150 FTE) per annum. Rising to £30,268 (£60,535 FTE) in April 2026. Part time, 17.5 hours a week. Permanent contract.
About the role:
London-based contract with the option of hybrid working between the office and home. In this role, your expertise in industrial relations and understanding of trade unions will be critical to the CSP as it supports physiotherapy and support staff in workplaces across the UK. You will lead the CSP's work on Job Evaluation, championing fair pay structures by representing the profession in the NHS Job Evaluation Group, as well as developing and sharing specialist knowledge in this area with staff and reps.
You will coordinate evidence-based responses to Government consultations related to the workplace, ensuring our members' experiences and priorities cut through with decision makers and help shape CSP policy and strategy around employment matters. Your research and policy work will underpin bargaining, campaigning and negotiations across local, regional, country and UK levels, turning evidence into influence to improve our members' working lives.
You will make sure our reps have the right information at the right time by producing high-quality materials that support recruitment, activism and workplace organising. You will provide clear, authoritative guidance on employment and union matters for members. A core part of the role will be to produce a range of documents and materials, including reports, briefings/guidance, consultation responses, speeches, articles, and text for leaflets, posters, in-house journal and website. You will be adept at drafting to suit a range of print and digital channels and formats.
Working arrangements:
- Hybrid working: The CSP operates a hybrid working model, allowing employees to work between their home and the office. While we do not stipulate the number of days in the office, employees can decide, through discussions with their line managers, how, when, and where they work best, balancing the needs of the CSP, the team, and themselves. Employees are still expected to attend the office for in-person meetings when required for their role and the organisation. Homeworking is subject to meeting homeworking assessment requirements, which include a minimum broadband speed of 18Mbps and a dedicated space to work from.
- Flexible working: We currently have employees working part-time, job share, compressed hours, adjusted start and finish times, and other non-standard working patterns. We are open to considering alternative arrangements and would welcome discussion with successful candidates about any specific flexibility they may require, subject to organisational needs.
Why work for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy?
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK's 65,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers; and one of the largest representative bodies in healthcare. At the CSP, our goal is to create a culture characterised by innovation, respect, encouragement, passion and teamwork. We all strive for continuous improvement and to deliver the best possible outcomes for our members. We aspire to work in a way that embodies our values of learning, courage, inclusivity and integrity. Our shared values are part of our organisational DNA, reflecting the expectations we have of ourselves and others. They guide what we do and how we do it, to have the greatest impact for our members.
We offer an excellent benefits package, including:
- 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Office closure between 25 December and 01 January
- A generous pension scheme with 12% employer contribution
How to apply:
Please click on the Apply tab below and complete the online application form. CVs will not be accepted. As part of the application process, candidates will be asked to provide written responses to six criteria, which can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.
Closing date: 10am, 9 April 2026. Shortlisting outcome: W/C 13 April 2026. Interview date: 23 April 2026 (virtual via MS Teams/Zoom).
Equality, Diversity and Belonging:
Accessibility and adjustments: To support an equitable and accessible recruitment experience, we actively encourage candidates to let us know if they require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview stages. Please contact us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Disability Confident Scheme: As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, candidates who declare a disability and meet all the essential criteria will normally be shortlisted for interview. In the event of a high volume of applications, we may choose to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled and non-disabled candidates. In such cases, a proportionate number of disabled candidates will be shortlisted for interview.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and belonging: The CSP is committed to equity of opportunity, aiming to provide a working and learning environment free from discrimination. We are taking appropriate steps to create a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we work and live in. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from candidates under-represented in the CSP's workforce, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and LGBTQIA people. Please note, all candidates will be expected to actively demonstrate their commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Belonging throughout the application and interview stages.
Trade Union Research and Policy Officer employer: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
Contact Detail:
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Union Research and Policy Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the trade union sector, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the CSP and its values. Understand their mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to industrial relations and policy work. Being well-prepared will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CSP team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Union Research and Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Criteria: Before you start writing, make sure you thoroughly read the six criteria in the Candidate Information Pack. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so tailor your responses to highlight your relevant skills and knowledge.
Be Clear and Concise: When drafting your written responses, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured answers that get straight to the heart of the matter. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and remember, clarity is key!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We love candidates who are genuinely excited about contributing to the CSP and making a difference in the lives of our members. Share why this position matters to you and how you can add value.
Proofread Before Submitting: Always give your application a good once-over before hitting send. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message. We want to see your best work, so take the time to polish your responses and ensure they reflect your professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of trade unions and industrial relations. Familiarise yourself with the CSP's work, especially around job evaluation and fair pay structures. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare Evidence-Based Examples
Think of specific instances where you've used research to influence policy or decision-making. Be ready to share how your work has positively impacted members or stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to turn evidence into influence, which is key for this position.
✨Tailor Your Communication Style
Since you'll be producing materials for various channels, practice explaining complex ideas simply and clearly. During the interview, adapt your communication style to suit the interviewers, showing that you can engage different audiences effectively.
✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity
The CSP values equity, diversity, and belonging, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these principles. Share any experiences you have in promoting inclusivity or working with diverse groups, as this will resonate well with the organisation's ethos.