July 2023
I’d like to start this newsletter by thanking those who have renewed their membership to The Society of Sports Therapists, and to you all for your continued loyalty and commitment.
I’ve asked a few people recently what they think the role of The SST is and the answer I repeatedly get is that it helps highlight CPD and job opportunities Important as they are, this is just a tiny part of the work that The SST does on your behalf.
One of our key areas of focus is within education; ensuring universities teaching an SST accredited programme are fulfilling the competencies of Sports Therapy. Our role includes moderating these universities, providing support and guidance and also revalidating programmes. Some of you will be aware that we are currently reviewing the competencies. If this is something you would be keen to be involved in, please send me an email on lynsey.northeast@thesst.org by the 4th August.
As part of your membership, you have access to a number of SSTExtra benefits with discounts and offers available from leading medical and performance suppliers in the sport and exercise arena. You can see more information and company details below. Access to the British Journal of Sports Medicine is free to Members – this month sees a BJSM special edition, edited by SST Members; something we are extremely proud of.
The SST plays a key role in protecting Members’ rights and interests should things go wrong. If insured through The SST, experienced staff, officers and legal advisors are available to support and advise you should you encounter any issues.
We also have a number of groups you can be involved in. The University and Colleges Liaison group aims to create a link between universities and the Board; enabling you to develop experience speaking to students and also expanding your academic network. For some (myself included), it has also provided a fantastic route into a career in lecturing.
The Communications Group aims to develop initiatives to engage Society Members, creating and managing social media, website and email communication content, and providing useful resources for the Membership.
Finally, we have the Network for Engagement in Equity, Diversity & Social-Structural Strategy (NEEDSs) group which helps us to consider and discuss various aspects of policy and practices, with the aim of supporting the Society towards improved Equity, Diversity, and Social-Structural relations.
If you would like to get involved in any of these groups new members are welcome. Please email comms@thesst.org for Comms and UCLG or needs@thesst.org
The SST is frequently involved in discussions with governing bodies and professional organisations. We aim to further develop career opportunities for our Members, and work tirelessly to ensure that Members are part of an organisation that will provide credibility, recognition and status. This past year you will have seen new Band 5 opportunities in the Ministry of Defence and also new locum positions. You may have also seen more opportunities in the NHS as Musculoskeletal Clinicians with graduate schemes developed with Connect Health and new roles in Vita Health. We continue to strive for increased recognition in sport and from Government.
The SST is part of The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) and The Community Rehabilitation Alliance (CRA) both of which help to ensure policy, service and delivery of MSK care is to the highest possible standards. With these we are continually contributing to government strategy with the most recent example of this being the Governments’ Major Conditions Strategy Review. Membership of both organisations enables The SST to engage with individuals from other professional bodies and leading health organisations.
You may have noticed a theme across each of my newsletters. My aim as the Chair of The SST is to try to encourage more member involvement. I’m incredibly proud to be a graduate Sports Therapist and of all the advancements the profession has made to date but this is where we need you. We need to continue to hear more about your success stories, where you have broken down barriers and created new pathways for the profession and we need to shout about them LOUDLY. This will be integral to the continued growth of OUR profession.
I can’t wait to hear from you
Lynsey
