According to the Science Evidence Advice Report: NHS Ten Years Plus, Wales faces some of the most significant population health challenges over the next ten years. This includes a growing, ageing population who will be living longer with multi-morbidities, including mental health conditions, diabetes, and cancer. The allied health professions (AHP) workforce is already integral, operating across primary and secondary NHS services, social care, and third sectors, and is well-equipped to meet these challenges head-on.
We have developed the Allied Health Professions (AHP) Workforce Development Plan to address current and future AHP workforce challenges with clear timelines and deliverables over the next two years. By implementing this plan, the AHP workforce can meet the changing health needs of the future population through transformation, ensuring high-quality patient outcomes and enabling individuals to live healthier lives for longer.
The plan has been informed through various stakeholder events, including a dedicated deliberative workforce event and four regional roadshows during 2023. A benefits realisation map has been created to identify outputs, outcomes, and key change indicators against policy drivers.
The scope of the workforce plan focuses on supporting the AHP workforce through a two-year roadmap with 54 actions identified. If this AHP workforce plan receives the recognition and buy-in from key stakeholders, it has the potential to:
AHPs will experience greater job satisfaction and well-being, supported by clear career pathways, flexible working environments, and improved retention strategies. A robust training infrastructure will also ensure a continuous pipeline of skilled professionals, securing a distinct identity and future of AHP roles to produce an engaged and motivated workforce.
The successful implementation of the Allied Health Professional (AHP) Workforce Development Plan will result in high-quality, person-centred care delivered by regulated multi-professional teams and improved population health through proactive public health initiatives by supporting the AHP workforce.
Timeframes for delivery have been agreed upon with workstreams across HEIW, ensuring that relevant actions are incorporated into intermediate-term planning processes. Once launched, a comprehensive delivery plan will be established in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. A steering group will be set up to monitor progress and update the Risks Assumptions Issues Dependencies (RAID) log. Regular highlight reports will provide updates within HEIW and key stakeholder forums, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the implementation process.