The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) is calling for UK-wide action to develop the Allied Health Professions (AHP) support workforce.
Alongside other AHPs, professional bodies and trade unions, RCOT has issued a statement calling for a commitment from employers, policymakers and workforce planners to increase the number of regulated AHP support workers and ensure that there is enough capacity to support those in the support workforce.
RCOT is calling for:
- Recognition of the contribution of the AHP support worker workforce
- An AHP support worker career development and progression framework across different settings
- Learning and development provision that meets the specific needs of the AHP support workforce
Commenting on the statement Karin Orman, RCOT Assistant Director – Professional Practice said:
“Over the last year, occupational therapists, alongside other AHPs have been on the frontline of the nation’s response to COVID-19. Importantly they have been aided in their work by a support worker workforce that currently is underfunded, undertrained and under resourced.
“AHP support workers possess skills and experience that are essential to delivering safe, effective and productive AHP services. However, this contribution frequently goes unrecognised - they feel invisible and undervalued. Alongside our AHP partners, we are calling for UK-wide action to help employ and train more support workers.
“RCOT is committed to working with UK governments and relevant arm’s-length bodies to bring about change in order to increase the number of AHP support workers. We will lobby for consistent and access to continued professional development and take action to increase equality diversity and belonging within the AHP support workforce.”
The full statement can be found below