AACP Background

Monday, 17 January 2011 17:03

The Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP) is a professional network (formerly clinical interest group; CIG) affiliated with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP). The Association represents those physiotherapists who are interested in integrating acupuncture into mainstream physiotherapy for the management of pain and systemic conditions. More than 6500 physiotherapists who use acupuncture within clinical management in both the National Health Service (NHS) and private practice are members of AACP.

The Association was founded over 20 years ago and has grown steadily to become the organisation that it is today. By 2004, it had become apparent that AACP was becoming difficult to manage, and with the Government initiative to introduce regulation of acupuncture, it was decided by the then Executive that a study should look at the organisation of the Association to ensure that it was best placed to engage with the new regulatory regime.

Following an extensive study carried out in 2005 by independent management consultants, it was recommended that AACP should become a company limited by guarantee, with a centralised administration handling all secretariat, financial and professional matters. Following an extraordinary general meeting held in November 2005, the formal decision was taken to become a limited company.

On 19 January 2006, AACP Limited was formally incorporated, and a new Board of Directors was set up under the Chair of the "old" AACP, Jennie Longbottom. When Jennie stepped down as Chair in May 2009, she was succeeded by Merian Denning. Merian has reverted to being a non-executive Chair, but is supported by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Merian stepped down in July 2011 and was succeeded by Vivienne Fort. Directors receive an emolument of £300 per board meeting, in recognition of the time taken from their normal jobs.

The Board is supported by an Accountant/Financial Advisor, an Auditor and a Company Secretary. The Accountant, Auditor and Company Secretary are paid for work done at standard commercial rates. The CEO and the AACP Office in Peterborough provide administrative and management support as directed by the AACP Board.

Board members are bound by a Code of Conduct that specifically requires them to declare if they have a personal interest in any matter under discussion by the Board. Directors are excluded from taking part in discussion or voting on any issue in which they may have a personal interest.

Thursday 25th April