Code

Professional Values
of Members

and Behaviour

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

xx

Contents
Foreword

Section 1: The Codes four principles

Section 2: The Code explained

6
6
7
8

Purpose
Context
Underpinning ethics, values and concepts
Interpretation

Section 3: The Code in full (including supplementary statements)

9
10
11
12

Appendices

14

Principle 1
Principle 2
Principle 3
Principle 4

A
B
C
D

Explanation of core concepts

Glossary of terms
Mapping the Code against HPC documents and other CSP resources
Bibliography

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

14
17
20
22

Foreword
As the chair of the CSPs Council, I am delighted to introduce the Societys new Code of Professional
Values and Behaviour. The Code sets out the CSPs expectations of all members: qualified physiotherapists,
associates (physiotherapy support workers) and physiotherapy students. It asserts high standards of
behaviour, while supporting members in fulfilling their physiotherapy roles in rapidly changing environments.
The Code presents a person-centred approach to professionalism. As such, it puts patients and clients
needs to the fore. The Code is intended for a range of audiences - particularly patients, clients and carers who
receive services from CSP members, and the public at large as well as forming a key document for members
themselves.
The Code aligns strongly with other codes for health care professions in the UK (including those published
by regulatory bodies) and physiotherapists overseas, and is underpinned by core, generic ethics of
professionalism. At the same time, it reflects CSP members distinctive contribution to health and well-being
and the breadth and evolving nature of UK physiotherapy practice. It also highlights members responsibility
to maintain and enhance the reputation and standing of the physiotherapy profession.
We are publishing the Code for an initial two-year period. We are keen to review how the document is received
and used, with a view to refining and updating it. Your feedback is therefore very important to us. It will help to
ensure that the Code continues to reflect the delivery and receipt of physiotherapy services, while upholding
high standards of professionalism, and help us to develop additional guidance and tools to support the Codes
practical application and use.
Ann Green MSc MCSP DipTP HEA
CSP Chair of Council
October 2011

Acknowledgements
The CSP wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the following in producing the Code:

Members of the CSP Charting the Future project steering group and implementation group

Members of the CSP Regulatory Board

Members who participated in the Code pilot exercise

Individuals who commented on their expectations of CSP members

The CSP Charting the Future project team

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Section

1
The Codes four principles
1 CSP members take responsibility for their actions

Members

Demonstrate appropriate professional autonomy and accountability

Act within their individual scope of practice

Make informed decisions.

2 CSP members behave ethically

Members

Adhere to legal, regulatory and ethical requirements

Act with integrity, honesty and openness

Engage with relevant professional and social contexts.

3 CSP members deliver an effective service

Members

Put the needs of service users at the centre of their decision-making

Respect and support individuals autonomy

Communicate effectively

Work effectively with others.

4 CSP members strive to achieve excellence

Members

Seek to continuously improve

Demonstrate innovation and leadership

Support others learning and development

Support the development of physiotherapy.

Each principle is supported in Section 3 by supplementary statements. Together, the principles and statements form a
positive expression of the professional values and behaviour that the CSP expects of all its members.

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

Section

2
The Code explained
The nature of physiotherapy
The Code reflects the distinctive nature of physiotherapys contribution to health and well-being and the breadth and
evolving nature of physiotherapy practice. The Codes four principles encapsulate the professional values and behaviour
that the CSP expects all its members to demonstrate [see Fig.1]. The principles underpinning ethics, values and
concepts are set out in Table A.

Figure 1: The four principles

CSP members
Take responsibility
for their actions

Behave
ethically

Underpinning ethics,
values and concepts

Strive to
achieve excellence

Deliver an
effective service

The principles support members in making informed and reasoned decisions about professional and ethical issues that
they encounter in their day-to-day activity. In so doing, the principles support members in fulfilling their duty of care to
the individuals whom they serve.
The principles reflect the purpose and context of CSP members activity:

CSP members work with individuals to maximise their quality of life by restoring, maintaining and improving
function and movement
CSP members work with individuals to promote physical approaches to optimising health, well-being and illness
prevention, through the delivery of high-quality, innovative services
Physiotherapy in the UK is founded on a strong, evolving evidence base and is delivered by an adaptable,
engaged workforce
CSP members practise in a range of roles and settings, independently, as first-contact practitioners and as part of
multi-disciplinary teams
Physiotherapy activity is inherently and necessarily complex and diverse
CSP members undertake physiotherapy activity within changing structures and increasingly diverse sectors,
settings and roles.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Section

The purpose of the Code

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional body and representative organisation for
physiotherapy in the UK. The Code defines, in positive terms, the professional values and behaviour that the CSP
expects of all of its members. It also reinforces the imperative that members adhere to regulatory requirements, the
law and the requirements of their employing organisations and education institutions.
In doing this, the Code supports members in taking responsibility for their decision-making and actions and fulfilling
their duty of care to those whom they serve. It also promotes members professionalism, while reflecting their diverse
physiotherapy roles.
Members agree to adhere to the Code as part of the contract that they make with the CSP in choosing to take up
membership. Doing this and periodically reaffirming this acceptance are integral to becoming and remaining a CSP
member (in all membership categories).
Acceptance of the Code demonstrates members commitment to all individuals with whom they interact in their
physiotherapy roles. It also demonstrates members commitment to maintaining and enhancing the reputation and
standing of the physiotherapy profession and to fulfilling the broader social responsibilities that their physiotherapy role
places on them.
The Code is intended for broader audiences, as well as for members and prospective members. These audiences include
the following:

Individuals receiving services from CSP members (as patient/clients and carers)
Individuals affected by members activity (including research activity and the dissemination and
implementation of research findings)
Other professionals and colleagues (within multi-disciplinary and inter-agency teams) with whom CSP
members work
Employees of CSP members
Regulators and employers
The public at large.

The Code replaces the CSP Rules of Professional Conduct and Code of Conduct for Associate Members (although
the former is retained to underpin the Societys disciplinary processes for certain member categories; see The Codes
context.
It is published for an initial two-year period and will be reviewed in 2013. The review exercise will be informed by
feedback on the Codes receipt and use and by developments in physiotherapy activity and practice contexts.

The Codes context

The Code reflects the legal, regulatory and organisational requirements and responsibilities that CSP members must
fulfil in their conduct and practice of physiotherapy. It reinforces these requirements and responsibilities, as well as
supporting members in fulfilling them.
Under the Health Professions Order 2001, physiotherapist is a protected title. It can only be used in the UK by a
person who is registered with the Health Professions Council [HPC], the statutory regulator of physiotherapists. All
qualified practising members of the CSP must be registered with the HPC. Securing and maintaining registration with
the HPC is a condition of eligibility for qualified CSP membership.

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

The exceptions to this requirement are qualified members who are

Taking a career break

Retired

Practising outside the UK

Practising exclusively on animals.
Members to whom one or more of the above applies can remain as CSP members without maintaining HPC
registration.
The particular ways in which the Code reflects HPC requirements are mapped in Appendix C.
The HPC handles complaints concerning the professional conduct or fitness to practise of physiotherapy registrants.
In enacting this process, the HPC may draw on relevant resources from the CSP (such as this Code) to explore the case
against a registrant and to provide a professional context. However, judgments made by the HPC are founded on its
own regulatory standards.
The CSP considers individual members status with itself based on the outcome of any HPC case against them.
Individuals enrolled on a qualifying programme in physiotherapy (for which HPC approval is a condition of its
delivery) are eligible to apply for CSP student membership. Individuals who are employed in a support role relating to
physiotherapy are eligible to apply for CSP associate membership.
Complaints received by the CSP regarding its members whose activity is not regulated by the HPC are investigated
through the Societys own disciplinary procedures. This applies to student and associate members, and qualified
members who practise on animals. The CSPs own disciplinary procedures are defined by its Bye-laws and Statutes and
founded on its Rules of Professional Conduct (CSP, 2002).
The CSP produces Standards of Physiotherapy Practice to support members in their day-to-day activity and to define its
expectations of members practice in more detail. The Standards are currently being reviewed. The new version is due
for publication in 2012.

The Codes underpinning values and concepts

The Codes four principles are underpinned by contemporary healthcare ethics and by professional values and concepts
derived from these. These are summarised in Table A. An explanation of core concepts and terms is provided in
Appendices A and B.

Table A: Underpinning ethics, values and concepts

Underpinning ethics

Underpinning values

Core professional concepts

n Respect for
individual autonomy
n Promoting what is
best for an individual
n Avoiding harm
n Fairness in how
services are delivered

n Altruism, in terms of giving priority to the interests of

individuals
n Advocacy
n Honesty and integrity
n Compassion and caring
n Accountability for decision-making and actions
n Fulfilment of duty of care and social responsibility
n Commitment to excellence

n Competence
n Person-centred practice
n Professional autonomy
n Professionalism
n Scope of Practice

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Section

Interpreting the Code

The Code relates to CSP members in all membership categories, in all occupational roles, at all career stages, and in
all sectors and settings. It applies to members interaction with individuals as patients/clients and carers, as well as to
members broader roles to do with the following:

Managing, developing and delivering services

Policy and leadership
Education
Research
Administration and support functions.

How members demonstrate their fulfilment of the Codes four principles depends, in part, on the nature of their
physiotherapy role and career stage.
The supplementary statements in Section 3 are designed to support members and others understanding of the
intended meaning and range of each Code principle. It is important to recognise the following about the statements:

They are not intended to exhaustive

They complement one another
They collectively reflect the complex range of values and behaviour that underpin and make up
physiotherapy activity
Individual statements are not designed to be taken in isolation
Any one statement does not override the significance of another.

Given the intended breadth of the principles and their application, not all elements of the statements are relevant to all
CSP members at all times. Judgment and discretion in interpreting and using them is therefore required. Where there
are key differences in how they relate to members in different member categories, this is explained in Appendix A.
Where the nature of a statements application to members relates strongly to their role, this is indicated by use of the
word appropriate (e.g. as appropriate to role).

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

Section

3
The Code in full
1 CSP members take responsibility for their actions
1.1 Members demonstrate appropriate professional autonomy and accountability


Members

1.1.1
Use their professional autonomy to benefit others

1.1.2
Understand and accept the significant responsibility that professional autonomy brings

1.1.3
Accept and uphold their duty of care to individuals

1.1.4
Are responsible and accountable for their decisions and actions, including the delegation of

activity to others

1.1.5.
Justify and account for their decisions and actions

1.1.6.
Ensure that their activity is covered by appropriate insurance.

1.2 Members act within their individual scope of practice

Members

1.2.1
Limit their professional activity to those areas in which they are competent and qualified to

work safely

1.2.2
Delegate and refer to others appropriately

1.2.3
Act upon delegation or referral appropriately

1.2.4
Undertake continuing professional development [CPD] to maintain and develop their competence

1.2.5
Understand that their individual scope of practice sits within the evolving scope of physiotherapy

practice in the UK

1.2.6
Recognise that their individual scope of practice evolves and must be supported by appropriate CPD

1.2.7
Take account of individual, service and workforce needs in developing their scope of practice.

1.3 Members make informed decisions

Members

1.3.1
Use sound professional judgment in their physiotherapy activity

1.3.2
Ensure that their practice is informed by the professions evolving evidence base

1.3.3
Use the available information and evidence when making decisions and assessing risk

1.3.4
Evaluate the impact and outcome of their decisions, reflect on this and use their learning inform

their subsequent activity and to help others

1.3.5
Decide when it is appropriate to act in particular situations or scenarios and are able to explain a

decision that they have made.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Section

2 CSP members behave ethically

2.1 Members adhere to legal, regulatory and ethical requirements


Members

2.1.1
Ensure that they meet the legal, regulatory and ethical requirements relevant to their

physiotherapy activity (including those specific to data protection, access to health records

requests, equality and research)

2.1.2
Complete records in accordance with legal, ethical, and organisational requirements

2.1.3
Deliver services that are of value to an individual, supported by evidence of their effectiveness

2.1.4
Ensure confidential information that they acquire in all types of activity remains secure.

2.2 Members act with integrity, honesty and openess

Members

2.2.1
Understand and manage the impact of their own beliefs, values and behaviours on their practice

and their interaction with others

2.2.2
Use sound professional judgment when endorsing, advertising, supplying or selling particular

services or products

2.2.3
Provide truthful and accurate information (including when advertising and promoting services)

2.2.4
Disclose any financial benefit that they expect to receive through endorsement or advertising

2.2.5
Declare any conflict of interest

2.2.6
Recognise the potential impact of their personal behaviour, life-style and activity outside work

on their physiotherapy role.

2.3 Members engage with relevant professional and social contexts

Members

2.3.1
Strive to challenge and address health inequalities in how services are delivered

2.3.2
Recognise their role as advocates for the physiotherapy profession

2.3.3
Recognise the potential impact of their personal behaviour, life-style and activity on the reputation

of the physiotherapy profession.

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Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

3 CSP members deliver an effective service

3.1 Members put the needs of service users at the centre of their decision-making

Members

3.1.1


3.1.2


3.1.3


3.1.4

3.1.5


3.1.6

Seek to understand, and take full account of, individuals needs, preferences, expectations and
goals in delivering a service to them
Advocate for individuals quality of care and others safety and alert appropriate authorities if
these are at risk of being compromised
Respond to individuals compassionately and sensitively (being aware of individuals
vulnerability or potential vulnerability)
Show empathy with individuals situations and circumstances
Respect individuals rights, dignity, sensibilities, beliefs and identity and the implications that
these may have for acting in accordance with individuals best interests
Behave in non-discriminatory, non-oppressive ways.

3.2 Members respect and support individuals autonomy

Members

3.2.1


3.2.2

3.2.3


3.2.4


3.2.5

Promote and uphold individuals rights and choices, including their right not to consent to
decisions or actions affecting them
Ensure individuals have given valid consent to any decision or action affecting them
Share all relevant information to support individuals in making their own decisions, including
that relates to issues of risk and consent
Share knowledge and skills with others to promote effective joint decision-making, planning
and evaluation
Promote, support and empower individuals to participate in decision-making, to self-manage
and be independent.

3.3 Members communicate effectively

Members

3.3.1

3.3.2

3.3.3


3.3.4

Use appropriate methods to ensure good communication with others

Take account of individuals different communication needs, preferences and expectations
Provide full, accurate and truthful information about the services that they deliver, including
the outcomes of their activity
Consult with colleagues and share information appropriately, respecting confidentiality, in line
with individuals interests and needs.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

11

Section

3.3 Members work effectively with others

Members

3.4.1


3.4.2

3.4.3

3.4.4

3.4.5

Collaborate with colleagues within and across settings, sectors and professions in the best
interests of service users
Respect colleagues perspectives and contribution
Promote and maintain a safe, positive and healthy working environment
Support and enable others to work within their individual scope of practice
Use all available information and evidence when assessing risk, both to themselves and others.

4 CSP members strive to achieve excellence

4.1 Members seek to imporve continuously


Members

4.1.1


4.1.2


4.1.3

4.1.4

4.1.5

Maintain, promote and support high standards of physiotherapy in ways that are appropriate
to their role
Evaluate the relevance of new developments, research findings and evidence and measures of
effectiveness and apply them appropriately to their physiotherapy activity
Critically reflect upon and evaluate their own practice
Identify their own development needs and take appropriate action to address these
Enhance their knowledge, understanding and skills, in response to individual, service and
practice needs.

4.2 Members demonstrate innovation and leadership

12

Members
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5

Transfer and apply their knowledge and skills to different situations and settings
Respond appropriately to new and changing needs
Seek to demonstrate the value of services and to improve service delivery
Demonstrate leadership appropriate to their role.
Contribute to cycles of evaluation, reflection and improvement.

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

4.3 Members support others learning and development

Members

4.3.1
Contribute to creating a learning environment and culture in ways that are appropriate to

their role

4.3.2

4.3.3

Share their own learning appropriately with others

Facilitate and support others learning and development in ways that are appropriate to their
role, including by providing learning opportunities.

4.4 Members support the development of physiotherapy

Members

4.4.1


4.4.2


4.4.3

Contribute to the development of physiotherapy, including by enhancing its evidence base and
implementing this in practice
Recognise and take appropriate action where personal practice is potentially pushing the
boundaries of the scope of physiotherapy practice in the UK
Evaluate factors affecting the development of physiotherapy, acting appropriately by changing
their own practice and/or supporting and leading colleagues.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

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Appendix

A
Explanation of core
professional concepts
This appendix provides an explanation of the concepts that underpin the Code. Where a concept crossreferences to another, this is highlighted by emboldened text.

Competence
Competence is the synthesis of knowledge, skills, values, behaviours and attributes that enables members to work
safely, effectively and legally within their particular scope of practice at any point in time. It involves awareness
of the limits of personal practice and the practice of the profession and depends on members engaging in
individualised, structured, career-long learning to meet their identified development needs.
Competence changes as members progress through their career, with their competence developing and
deepening in some areas and diminishing in others. It relates to members particular scope of practice at any
particular point in time within the broad scope of the practice of physiotherapy in the UK. Given its individual
and evolving nature, members competence cannot be defined simply or prescriptively.
Maintaining and developing competence hinges on members undertaking continuing professional development
[CPD]. The CSP expects members CPD to be based on a process of reflection, planning and evaluation, through
which members learning and development needs are identified, members pursue learning to address these, and
members apply and reflect on their new learning within their physiotherapy activity.
As HPC registrants, practising qualified members are required to fulfil the statutory regulators requirements
for CPD.

Person-centred practice
Person-centred practice is an approach to health care within which the goals, expectations, preferences, capacity
and needs of individuals (patients/clients/service users) and their carers form the focus of all activity. All planning,
decision-making, activity and evaluation are undertaken with this focus.
Person-centred practice hinges on members genuine collaboration with individuals and their carers, with full
consideration given to their needs and with demonstrable sensitivity to issues of communication, confidentiality
and valid consent.
Examples of person-centred practice include

Ensuring that an individuals perspective is listened to and reflected at all points

Ensuring that an individual is fully involved in planning, engaging and evaluating their experience and

the outcomes of physiotherapy

Actively seeking user involvement to inform how a service is developed and delivered to maximise

its effectiveness

Acknowledging and understanding that, at times, the view of an individual may conflict with the view

of a member, the profession or the organisation within which a service is being delivered.

Professional autonomy
Professional autonomy is the application of the principle of autonomy whereby a member makes decisions
and acts independently within a professional context and is responsible and accountable for their decisions
and actions.

14

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

A key element of professional autonomy is understanding and working within the limits of personal competence
and scope of practice. Members are responsible for seeking advice and guidance from others through
appropriate forms of professional supervision and mentorship to inform their decision-making and action.
Neither CSP student nor associate members hold professional autonomy in their physiotherapy-related activity.
Both groups of members undertake their activity with appropriate forms of supervision.
Physiotherapy students are prepared to assume the responsibilities of professional autonomy on qualification
through their qualifying education. This includes developing the knowledge, skills, understanding and
attributes necessary to accept this responsibility, and developing an understanding that they must undertake
physiotherapy activity within the limits of their personal competence and scope of practice.
While not autonomous practitioners, associate members take responsibility for undertaking the tasks delegated
to them within their physiotherapy activity.

Professionalism
Professionalism defines what is expected of a professional, and what it means to be professional. Broadly, it can
be summarised as

A motivation to deliver a service to others

Adhering to a moral and ethical code of practice

Striving for excellence, maintaining an awareness of limitations and scope of practice

A commitment to empowering others (rather than seeking to protect professional knowledge and skills).
A profession that fulfils these expectations establishes and maintains its credibility with the public and
demonstrates its capacity to carry the privileges of professional practice autonomy and self-regulation. In
turn, fulfilment of these expectations demonstrates a professions ability to fulfil the parallel responsibilities of
professional practice - accountability, transparency and openness.
Professionalism recognises that professional activity

Has strong ethical dimensions

Is complex and diverse, constantly changing, and uncertain and unpredictable

Cannot be defined simply in terms of possessing and implementing a fixed body of knowledge and skill

Cannot be undertaken in isolation

Depends on engaging in career-long learning and adapting and developing activity accordingly

Requires the member to cope with the non-routine, unknown and incomplete, and potentially

conflicting, information.
A key element of physiotherapy students preparation for practice on qualification is their being supported
in developing their understanding of, and engagement with, the responsibilities and privileges that
professionalism encapsulates.
The concept of professionalism also relates strongly to the physiotherapy activity of associate members.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

15

Appendix

Scope of Practice
Scope of practice relates strongly to competence and professionalism. It describes both the collective activity of
the profession and the activity of individual members.
The concept recognises the following:

The professions scope of practice is evolving, and needs to evolve, in line with changing patient and

population needs, developments in the evidence base, changes in service design and delivery and

changing opportunities for professional and career development

Practice includes a diversity of activity that is shaped by the collective, shared principles and thinking

of the profession

Individual members have a responsibility to limit their activity to those areas in which they have

established and maintained their competence

Individual members need to evaluate and reflect on their personal activity, taking account of the

professions evolving evidence base and responding appropriately to their learning and development

needs

Individual members competence changes and shifts as they progress through their physiotherapy career

Individual members have a responsibility to be aware of how their practice may challenge the boundaries

of the scope of practice of UK physiotherapy and to take appropriate action.
As the UK professional body for physiotherapy, the CSP is the guardian of the professions body of knowledge
and skills. It therefore defines scope of practice for physiotherapy in the UK.

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Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

Appendix

B
Glossary of key terms
The intended meaning of terms used within the Code are explained below.
Accountability taking responsibility for, and accepting the consequences of, a personal decision or action
Advocacy acting on behalf, and in the best interests, of an individual or group of individuals with the intention
of having a positive influence on a decision or action affecting that individual or group
Altruism a concern for others, with personal actions motivated by a desire to help others above anything else,
without considering recognition or reward
Autonomy the ability to make decisions and act independently (for an explanation of professional autonomy,
see Appendix A)
Beneficence a fundamental ethical concept of doing good and avoiding evil
Client a person in receipt of a service; where the term uses individual or client, this should be interpreted to
include any other responsible person such as a carer, parent or guardian, as appropriate to circumstances; in the
case of animal physiotherapy, the term may be interpreted to mean an animal and its owner/carer
Compassion a human emotion initiated by the experiences or suffering of others and leading to a desire to
alleviate their suffering
Competence see Appendix A
Conflict of interest a clash between a professional or public obligation and a personal need or interest
Continuing professional development (CPD) a wide range of learning activities through which members
abilities are maintained and developed throughout their career to ensure the capacity to practise safely,
effectively and legally within an evolving scope of practice (including, in the case of qualified, practising
members, fulfilment of the CPD requirements of the Health Professions Council [HPC])
CSP member a person who is a member of the CSP in one of the following categories: as a qualified (chartered)
physiotherapist, physiotherapy student, or associate (as a physiotherapy support worker)
CSP membership open to physiotherapists who hold registration with the Health Professions Council (HPC)
and are therefore eligible to practise physiotherapy in the UK, physiotherapy students, and physiotherapy
support workers; physiotherapists who have been eligible for HPC registration but who have retired, are taking a
career break, or who reside/work outside the UK may also be members, as may physiotherapists who practise on
animals
Delegation the process through which one person allocates work to another person on the basis of deeming
that individual competent to undertake that task, with the delegated individual then carrying responsibility for
undertaking the delegated task

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

17

Appendix

Dignity an individual being respected and esteemed

Duty of care the responsibility held by members to ensure that their decisions and actions are in the interests
of the individuals receiving or affected by physiotherapy services that they deliver
Empowerment the process of giving someone power or authority over a decision or action
Ethics issues of correct conduct informed by moral principles
Evidence different forms of valid and relevant information that are used to underpin decision-making; and
action that are often, but not exclusively, the outcome of research activity; evidence may support, refute or
identify the need for further enquiry regarding the safety, effectiveness and efficacy of a method of service
delivery, a management approach, a treatment or a modality
Fairness reasonable behaviour that is motivated by a consideration of the needs of others and the delivery of
services equitably
Health Professions Council [HPC] the statutory regulatory body for the allied health professions [AHPs], formed
in 2002 (as the successor to the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine [CPSM])
Honesty acting with integrity and adhering to known facts
Individual a person receiving a service from a CSP member (as a patient or client, or as the carer of a patient or
client), or a person who is affected by a CSP members delivery of a service; e.g. deriving from research, education
or management activity
Integrity adherence to moral and ethical principles; having sound moral character; acting with honesty
Leadership an act or instance of providing guidance or direction
Morals personal, societal or cultural values or codes of conduct
Non-discriminatory treating individuals and groups fairly and without prejudice
Non-maleficence a basic moral duty that individuals should do no physical or mental harm or damage to
another person
Non-oppressive ensuring a position of authority or power is not exercised in arbitrary, unjust ways
Organisation the structure(s) within which a member undertakes his or her physiotherapy activity, within the
public, private, independent and third sectors
Person-centred practice see Appendix A
Principle the foundation for members actions

18

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

Professional autonomy see Appendix A

Professional judgment the ability to form valuable opinions and make good decisions within a professional
framework
Professionalism see Appendix A
Reasoning the ability to make logical inferences from available information
Service user an individual or individuals in receipt of a service from a member
Scope of practice see Appendix A
Valid consent an individual being in receipt of sufficient knowledge of all relevant facts and factors to agree to,
or refuse, a particular course of action
Value the importance or worth of something (an outcome, intervention or service) for an individual
Values ideals that individuals or a profession find morally compelling.

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

19

Appendix

C
Mapping the Code against HPC
and other CSP resources
This table presents the relationship between the Code and HPC standards and guidance current at the time of
publication.
Many statements support or reflect the content of a number of the principles and are therefore repeated. Where
a number is in brackets, this indicates that it partly relates to one of the Codes principles.

HPC Standards of
conduct,
performance and
ethics

HPC Standards
of Proficiency
Physiotherapists

HPC
Guidance
on conduct
and ethics
for students

HPC
Standards for
continuing
professional
development

Principle 1 CSP members take responsibility for their actions

1.1 Demonstrate appropriate
professional autonomy and
accountability

(1) (6) (7) (12) (13)

8

1a. 5 1a.6
1b.1 1b.3 1b.4
2b.2 2b.3 2b.4

1.2 Act within their individual scope

of practice

(4) 5 6 12

1a.1 1a.5 1a.6 1a.8 5 6 7

2a.2 2a.3
2b.1 2b.4
3a.1

1.3 Make informed decisions

(7) 11

1a.8
2a.4
2c.1
3a.1 3a.3

2 4 10

34

Principle 2 CSP members behave ethically

2.1 Adhere to legal, regulatory and
ethical requirements

2 4 10

1a.1 1a.3
2a.1
2b.5

2.2 Act with integrity, honesty and

openesss

3 10 (12) 13 14

1a.1 1a.2 1a.6 1a.8 3 13

1b.3 1b.4

2.3 Engage with relevant professional (12) 13

and social contexts

20

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

1a.2 1a.6 1a.7 1a.8 1 13

3a.2

125

HPC Standards of
conduct,
performance and
ethics

HPC Standards
of Proficiency
Physiotherapists

HPC
Guidance
on conduct
and ethics
for students

HPC
Standards for
continuing
professional
development

Principle 1 CSP members take responsibility for their actions

Principle 3 CSP members deliver an effective service
3.1 Put the needs of service users
at the centre oftheir decisionmaking

(3)

1a.1 1a.2
1b.3
2b.3
3a.2

3.2 Respect and support individuals

autonomy

(1) 9 (10)

1a.4
1b.1 1b.2

3.3 Communicate effectively

(2) 7 10

1a.2 1a.7
1b.1 1b.3 1b.4
2b.5

8 (12)

3.4 Work effectively with others

6 (7) 11

2a.1
2b.2 2b.4 2b.5
2c.25

11

67

Principle 4 CSP members strive to achieve excellence

4.1 Seek to improve continuously

(5)

2b.1 2b.2
2c.2

4.2 Demonstrate innovation and

leadership

1a.7
2b.1 2b.3 2b.4
2c.1
3a.2

34

4.3 Support others learning and

development

68

1b.1
2b.1
3a.1

34

34

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Appendix
Section

Dx
Bibliography
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2002) Rules of Professional Conduct. London: CSP.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2012) Code of Conduct for Associate Members. London: CSP.
www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/professionalism/csp-expectations-members/associate-code
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2005) Core Standards of Physiotherapy Practice. London: CSP. [Currently
under review]
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2005) Service Standards of physiotherapy practice. London: CSP. [Currently
under review]
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2006) Supervision, Accountability and Delegation of Activities to Support
Workers. London: CSP.
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2010) Equality & Diversity Toolkit. A Practical Guide for CSP Stewards,
Managers and Members. London: CSP.
www.csp.org.uk/sites/files/csp/secure/csp_ed_toolkit_2010.pdf
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2010) Learning and Development Principles for CSP Accreditation of
Qualifying Programmes in Physiotherapy. London: CSP.
www.csp.org.uk/sites/files/csp/secure/csp_ldprinciples_2010_0.pdf
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2010) Vision for the future of UK Physiotherapy. London: CSP.
www.csp.org.uk/sites/files/csp/secure/csp_vision_march2010.pdf
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2011) Consent and Physiotherapy Practice. PD078. London: CSP.
www.csp.org.uk/sites/files/csp/secure/csp_pd078_consent2011_sep11.pdf
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2011) Physiotherapy framework: Putting Physiotherapy Behaviour,
Knowledge and Skills into Practice. London: CSP.
www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/careers-development/cpd/csp-eportfolio/eportfolio-login
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2011) Scope of Practice Resource: CSP Guidance and governance process.
London: CSP. [Due for publication]
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (2011) Managing Performance Issues. A Resource Pack. London: CSP.
www.csp.org.uk/publications/managing-performance-issues
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy & Royal National Institute of the Blind (2010) Into Physiotherapy.
Welcoming and Supporting Disabled Students. London: CSP.
www.csp.org.uk/sites/files/csp/secure/IntoPhysiotherapy.pdf
Health Professions Council (2007) A Disabled Persons Guide to Becoming a Health Professional. London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/1000137FAdisabledperson%27sguidetobecomingahealthprofessional.pdf

22

Code of Members Professional Values and Behaviours

Health Professions Council (2007) Standards of Proficiency (Physiotherapists). London: HPC.

www.hpc-uk.org/publications/standards/index.asp?id=49
Health Professions Council (2007) Managing Fitness to Practise Process. Guidance for Employers and Registrants.
London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10001344Managingfitnesstopractise.pdf
Health Professions Council (2008) Confidentiality: A Guidance for Registrants. London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/100023F1GuidanceonconfidentialityFINAL.pdf
Health Professions Council (2008) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics. Your Duties as a Registrant.
London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/standards/ standardsofconductperformanceandethics/
Health Professions Council (2009) Standards of Education and Training. Your Duties as an Education Provider.
London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/1000295EStandardsofeducationandtraining-fromSeptember2009.pdf
Health Professions Council (2009) Your Guide to Our Standards for Continuing Professional Development.Your
Duties as a Registrant. London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/1000119FShort_guide_to_CPD.pdf
Health Professions Council (2009) Standards of Education and Training. London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/standards/sets/
Health Professions Council (2010) Guidance on Conduct and Ethics for Students. London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/publications/brochures/index.asp?id=219
Health Professions Council (2010) Guidance on Health and Character London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/publications/index.asp?id=220
Health Professions Council (2011) Continuing Professional Development and Your Registration. Information for
Registrants. London: HPC.
www.hpc-uk.org/assets/documents/10001314CPD_and_your_registration.pdf

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Section
CSP Headquarters
14 Bedford Row
London WC1R 4ED
Tel: 020 7306 6666
Fax: 020 7306 6611
Email: [email protected]
CSP Northern Ireland
Arthur House
41 Arthur Street
Belfast BT1 4GB
Tel: 028 9044 6250
Fax: 028 9044 7110
Email: [email protected]
CSP Scotland
49 North Castle Street
Edinburgh EH2 3BG
Tel: 0131 226 1441
Fax: 0131 226 1551
Email: [email protected]

1 Cathedral Road
Cardiff CF11 9SD
Tel: 029 2038 2428/9
Fax: 029 2038 2428/9
Email: [email protected]
ISBN 9978 1 904400 32 5

000529 P&D October 2011 due for review in 2013

CSP Wales
Cymdeithas Siartredig
Ffisiotherapi
1 Heol Yr Eglwys Gadeiriol
Caerdydd CF11 9SD