BAPO is delighted to be supporting the development of a specific P&O training programme, that will provide a recognised qualification and stepping stone for those within our profession to transition to a higher level of practice. We encourage all members to support the programme as it develops, to assist us in retaining skilled and capable staff, enabling them to benefit from rich and rewarding careers.
A message from The ECP project team at the University of Salford and Coventry University:
The University of Salford and Coventry University have been chosen by the NHSE (formerly HEE) to develop a new nationally recognised allied health profession-specific training programmes for healthcare workers.
The training will be available for practitioners across seven allied health professions (Dietetics, Diagnostic Radiography, Occupational Therapy, Operating Department Practitioners, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Prosthetics and Orthotics).
The new Enhanced Clinical Practice (ECP) project will provide a framework for structured education pathways and apprenticeships for allied health professionals, helping to support career progression and retain staff, many of whom leave in their early to mid-stage careers. It will aim to support the development of the workforce, ensuring people can continually grow and update the skills they need throughout their careers.
Dr Gill Rawlinson, Director of Allied and Public Health at the University of Salford, said: “There are significant issues with retention and a lack of clear career development opportunities for allied health professionals and we really hope that through this work with NHSE we will be able to address this need. “This new training framework will offer a means for people to develop their careers further and feel more valued without having to leave the profession they love and are skilled at. The University of Salford and Coventry University are both among the largest providers of Allied and Public Health subjects in England, and we are proud and excited to be working together to develop and deliver this innovative new programme.”
Amanda Royston, Associate Dean in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Coventry University, said: “We are proud to be undertaking this important project with the University of Salford; using our combined strength and expertise in the education and development of allied health professionals to deliver new education pathways and apprenticeships for the health and social care sector across England.”
Dr Kim Stuart, AHP Professional Development Lead at Coventry University stated that: “We are working with NHSE, health and social care employers across England, professional bodies, and allied health professionals to ensure that the new education pathways and apprenticeships are fit for purpose and deliver the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to deliver high-quality person-centred care.”
At this moment in time, we are looking to gain an understanding of the priority areas within the P&O profession.
The ECP team will be attending the ‘Prosthetics and Orthotics Workforce Summit’ in Birmingham on the 15th of June to provide more information on the project and collect feedback from P+O stakeholders. If you would like to attend, please register for the event using the following link: https://bapowp.axia.support/2023/05/12/prosthetics-and-workforce-summit/
Your insight would be very valuable to us.
Thank you.
The ECP project team at the University of Salford and Coventry University