Christopher Richards Story: HEIW supporting programmes that build confidence to shape the future workforce
Published 1 September 2025
In a landmark moment for the physiotherapy profession, Christopher Richards, a Physiotherapy Assistant Practitioner, has become the first associate member (support worker) elected to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) Council. His election, confirmed at the CSP Conference on 12 October 2024, marks a significant step forward in recognising the leadership potential of support workers across the NHS.
Christopher’s journey began with the Level 4 Therapies Assistant Practitioner (TAP) programme, a pioneering pilot supported by Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW). Chrisopher was part of the 1st pilot that had 22 participants, between Hywel Dda University Health Board and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Graduating in 2024. Since then, he has become a powerful advocate for the value of structured, work-based learning. His story is a testament to how modernised education can empower support workers to take on strategic roles and influence national policy.
At the CSP Conference, Christopher spoke passionately about his development through the TAP programme, receiving glowing feedback. He also co-led the symposium “Support Workers for the Future – Grow Your Own,” which explored all four pillars of practice. His presentation focused on the research component of the Level 4 diploma and how it has shaped his clinical confidence and leadership skills.
His election to the CSP Council for a four-year term will allow him to help shape the future of physiotherapy. His involvement in electing the new Chair and Vice Chair of the Council further highlights his growing influence.
Christopher’s achievements reflect the strategic priorities of HEIW and NHS Wales. His success demonstrates how accessible, flexible learning supports diverse career pathways and strengthens transitions into NHS roles. His journey encourages career development across generations, showing that support workers can progress into leadership and governance.
For patients, Christopher’s training ensures safer, more confident care delivery, while his advocacy helps build a future-ready workforce aligned with innovation and population needs. His role in promoting system-wide improvement through education reform and local capacity-building is a model for collaborative transformation across Wales.
Since the programme’s initial cohort, two further cohorts have been launched, both of which have been equally successful in building on the foundations of the first.
Cohort 2 began in September 2023, learners from across Wales were selected through an internal recruitment process within their respective Health Boards. Sixteen learners were enrolled and following their commitment and hard work, they successfully graduated in July 2025.
Cohort 3 commenced in September 2024, and planning is already underway for Cohort 4, due to begin in September 2025. Learners are now represented from a wide range of Health Boards: ABUHB, C&VUHB, CTMUHB, HDUHB, PTHB, and SBUHB. This year, BCUHB have also joined the Once for Wales meetings and are preparing to nominate several learners for Cohort 5, starting in 2026.
This programme is a shining example of collaborative working, guided and supported by HEIW, to develop and strengthen the future healthcare workforce in Wales.
Since its launch, the programme has also celebrated a number of individual success stories. Two learners have successfully secured places on Physiotherapy degree programmes, and a further two have been accepted onto Occupational Therapy degrees, progressing where they had previously been unsuccessful. These achievements underline the life-changing opportunities the programme offers.
The strength and depth of this initiative are a testament to the dedication, collaboration, and shared vision of all involved. Now delivered through the apprenticeship programme, it benefits from the support of Coleg Sir Gar, who play a key role in drawing down funding and guiding learners through the completion of essential skills qualifications in communication, application of number, and digital literacy.