HEIW to launch AHP student leadership placement this autumn
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is excited to announce the launch of a pilot student leadership placement initiative for Allied Health Profession (AHP), starting September 2025.
Delivered in collaboration with the University of South Wales, Cardiff University and Digital Health and Care Wales, the pilot will see two pre-registration physiotherapy students complete a 4-week placement at HEIW’s head office in Nantgarw. The placement will focus on a project aligned to the Strategic Mental Health Workforce Plan, offering students a fantastic opportunity to build essential leadership skills while contributing to mental health developments in Wales. Participants will also work alongside a range of professionals, gaining experience that makes a real and lasting impact.
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) highlights the importance of developing leadership capabilities at all levels to continually improve the care experiences of individuals and communities. HEIW shares this commitment. In line with its strategic priority to provide high-quality education and training, this hands-on placement will support students in building their confidence and developing practical skills through real-world experiences.
The HEIW practice-based learning placement will:
- support placement provision for HEIW-commissioned healthcare courses across Wales
- develop essential leadership skills among the future AHP workforce
- strengthen HEIW’s commitment to improving health and care services across Wales, through effective leadership
- enable HEIW to take on board the student voice, bringing a fresh perspective to projects
- contribute to shaping future healthcare leaders.
This pilot marks the first step in creating a model for high-quality and sustainable leadership placements and insights gained from it will inform future placement models across HEIW and other interested organisations.
Contact the AHP Practice Education Team to find out more.