Helping shape the future workforce through AHP leadership placements in Wales

Published: 21/05/2026

Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) recently partnered with the Welsh Government to deliver an Allied Health Professional (AHP) leadership placement, supporting its commitment to strengthening the future workforce. This opportunity enabled Karan and Flo, physiotherapy students at Cardiff University, to gain valuable strategic insight while developing key professional and transferable skills. During the placement, they contributed to work on the NEST (Nurturing, Empowering, Safe and Trusted) Framework, which aligns with HEIW’s Mental Health Workforce Plan. 

This placement supported the development of leadership and project management skills, while making a meaningful contribution to work focused on the mental health and wellbeing of babies, children, young people and families across Wales. The experience reinforced the importance of cross sector collaboration and the vital role AHPs play in prevention and in creating safe and supportive communities. 

Through placements like this, HEIW is supporting the future workforce by helping learners build professional and transferable skills through real world experience and reflection. Hosting students within HEIW also helps broaden their understanding of the wider healthcare system and supports work that aligns with national workforce priorities. 

Karan and Flo shared their thoughts on their experience:  

“Our project involved analysis of case studies from services within Regional Partnership Boards across Wales. We also had the unique opportunity to visit the Hangout in Cardiff to understand NEST Framework implementation on the ground.  

The project required us to adapt our communication skills from clinical settings to a more strategic environment. We learned to articulate ideas clearly, negotiate changes and respond flexibly to evolving demands while staying aligned with our project schedule.  

Discussions with the NEST lead in Welsh Government further strengthened our leadership skills and gave us valuable insight into prevention and early intervention in mental health. These skills are transferable to our clinical practice, supporting caseload management, person-centred care and collaborative, multiprofessional working.” 

Millie Boswell, NEST Implementation Lead, Welsh Government, said:

“The students were fantastic. I worked with HEIW to shape a clear, time limited research project that aligned to both student learning objectives and my organisational priorities. We benefitted from the energy and insight of two highly engaged students who delivered a valuable analysis of case studies. I found it to be an excellent way to build additional capacity while offering the future workforce meaningful insight into strategic working.” 

For further information on placement learning please contact HEIW’s Practice Education Team.