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Chief Allied Health Professions Officer

Current role holder
Nicola Richardson
Nicola Richardson

Contact

Address

Chief Nursing Officer
The Scottish Government
St. Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG

Nicola Richardson was appointed Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) for Scotland in September 2026.

Responsibilities

The Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) provides advice to Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Government on professional matters affecting all 14 Allied Health Professionals including education, training, workforce, regulation and role/service development.

CAHPO is responsible for:

  • overseeing the strategic direction for all allied health professions in Scotland
  • leading on Scottish Government Once for Scotland approach to rehabilitation

Biography

A qualified Occupational Therapist, Nicola has held a range of clinical, educational and leadership roles across acute, community and academic settings. Before joining the Scottish Government, she was Director of Allied Health Professions at NHS Tayside.

Nicola is committed to improving services through quality improvement, innovation and workforce development. She also has a strong interest in research and is currently undertaking a professional doctorate.

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