Good news for the AHP workforce
We will work closely with the APPG to ensure occupational therapists are well represented.
A new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) has been registered, creating a dedicated space in Parliament to raise the profile of AHPs and their contribution to health and care across the UK. We will work closely with the APPG to ensure occupational therapists are well represented and to support progress towards our workforce strategy.
An APPG is an informal group of MPs and peers who come together around a shared policy area to raise issues, influence debate and engage with stakeholders.
Sonia Kumar MP, the Chair of the APPG, said:
‘Having worked in multidisciplinary teams before becoming an MP and since then through my constituency work, I've seen the vital role occupational therapists play in helping people of all ages live well and do the things that are important to them.
‘OTs are essential to deliver the 10 Year Health Plan. Through the APPG, I'm looking forward to giving a strong voice to OTs and all allied health professionals in Parliament.’
Karin Orman, our Director of Practice and Innovation, said:
‘This is fantastic news for all allied health professionals. It’s a significant step forward for occupational therapists. We’ve welcomed the opportunity to engage early with Sonia Kumar MP, alongside the Allied Health Professions Federation, as the APPG has taken shape.
‘The group creates an important platform to champion the vital role our profession plays in enabling people to live meaningful lives by providing the right support at the right time. We look forward to working closely with the APPG to ensure occupational therapists have a strong voice in Parliament and to drive progress towards delivering the workforce strategy our profession needs and deserves.’
One of the first actions of the APPG has been to to co-sign an open letter to Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary. The letter was supported by more than 50 MPs, alongside RCOT and other AHP professional bodies. It sets out nine recommendations for strategic action as the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan is revised, calling for AHPs to be prioritised in workforce planning to strengthen services and improve care for the people who use them.
We will continue working with the APPG and other influencing activities to ensure your voices are heard at the heart of policy making and decision making