Published 18/03/2026

Every day, Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) across Wales are improving lives supporting prevention, early intervention, recovery and rehabilitation in every setting.  For community services to specialist care, AHPs are providing expertise, compassion and leadership to shape a stronger, more sustainable health and care system. 

As the national body for workforce development, Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) has been working alongside AHPs and partners to strengthen capability, visibility and strategic direction across Wales.

Over the past year, that contribution has become increasingly visible. Through HEIWs  AHP Workforce Development Plan, we have been building essential foundations, strengthening capability, investing in leadership and developing a shared direction for how AHP skills can deliver the greatest impact. These developments are already influencing how people experience care today, not just in the future.

Nicky Thomas, Associate Director for AHPs, HEIW, said: “By investing in leadership, wellbeing and workforce development, we are strengthening the AHP contribution across Wales. These foundations matter because they enable consistent, high‑quality, person‑centred care, now and for the future.”

Tools such as the AHP Leadership Tree are also helping practitioners see clear development routes and opportunities to grow their impact at every stage of their career.

Why this matters

Compassionate leadership creates the environment where people, both staff and patients alike, feel safe, supported and heard. It enables teams to learn, innovate and work more consistently, ultimately improving the quality and experience of care.

Collaboration has been central to strengthening the AHP workforce this year. Regional workforce planning workshops brought AHPs together to co‑create the AHP Workforce Transformation Repository.  A practical, evidence‑based resource that supports confident, consistent workforce planning and highlights the difference AHP skills can make.

New animations (Who are the AHPs in Wales?;  AHP Framework)resources continue to raise the visibility and value of AHPs across Wales, helping professions articulate their contribution and strengthen their presence within multi-professional teams.

Impact so far

We are already seeing the difference this work makes. When teams understand the breadth of AHP capability, they can design services that respond more effectively to people’s needs. And as the AHP identity becomes stronger and more visible, so too does the ability to attract, develop and retain the workforce needed for a sustainable future.

Resources on Shared Decision Making, mental health and the cognitive disabilities model are strengthening personalised, value‑based care. Meanwhile, the AHP Green Guide is supporting teams to embed sustainable approaches into daily practice - a shift that supports prevention, improves long‑term outcomes and benefits the health of communities and the environment.

The difference this makes

Together, these developments help ensure people receive care that is equitable, timely and tailored to what matters most.

The progress made so far provides a strong platform for what comes next. Over the coming year, the focus will be on developing future‑focused, skills‑based career progression roadmaps, exploring new workforce models aligned to prevention, digital innovation and community‑based care, and strengthening how AHP capability is understood and deployed across the system.

But the real driving force lies in the AHP workforce who have contributed to this work; a growing leadership network, deeper collaboration across professions and regions, and a shared commitment to person‑centred, preventative care.

If we continue to learn, influence, challenge and lead together, we can build a system where every person in Wales benefits from the full reach and potential of AHP expertise. 

Why this matters now and in the future

The future is shaped through the decisions and actions we take together. By continuing to learn, influence and lead as a community, we can build on this progress and strengthen AHP impact across Wales.  HEIW will continue to work with AHPs, partners and national networks to develop the next phase of this work.

Get involved. Share learning. Try new ideas. Use the tools available.

To connect with HEIW’s AHP team, please contact HEIW.AHP@wales.nhs.uk

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