Scottish allied health professions public health strategic framework implementation plan: 2022 to 2027 midway report

Strategic Goal 3: Increasing the Profile of the AHP Public Health Role

Our third strategic goal is to ensure AHPs are recognised as public health experts by raising awareness of their contribution to prevention, early intervention, and improved population health outcomes.

Key outcomes include:

• AHPs understand their profession’s role in public health.
• External partners recognise the AHP contribution to prevention and early intervention.

To achieve this, AHPs must be positioned to influence public health policy and service delivery at both national and local levels. Leadership must articulate the critical role of AHPs in shaping early intervention strategies as a core component of service design.

Chief AHP Officer Leadership

The Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO), supported by Professional Advisors, provides strategic advice to the Scottish Government across education, workforce, regulation, and service development. CAHPO also serves as Senior Responsible Officer for key programmes including Waiting Well and Rehabilitation and Getting It Right for Everyone (GIRFE).

Regular engagement between the CAHPO, AHP Policy Team, and Scottish Directors of AHPs (SDAHP) ensures visibility of AHP contributions. Policy teams are invited to SDAHP meetings to hear directly from AHP leaders, and AHPs are represented on national policy groups such as the Primary Care and Community Health Steering Group and Stakeholder Advisory Group.

Webinars

In 2024/25, the Scottish Government commissioned NHS Education for Scotland (NES) to deliver a series of webinars chaired by the CAHPO. Each webinar aligns with Scottish Public Health priorities and the Population Health Framework, showcasing best practice and innovation across AHP professions. These sessions support knowledge exchange, networking, and demonstrate how AHPs contribute to national directives.

Showcasing AHP Contributions

The Scottish Government AHP team collaborated with four-nations colleagues to produce the AHP UK Public Health Strategic Framework 2025-2030 and the AHP Public Health Strategy 2019-2024 Impact Report, highlighting Scotland’s achievements.

AHPs also share their work through the independent blog AHPs across health and social care. In 2025, 12 AHPs were finalists in Scotland's Health Awards, with additional nominations in innovation and outstanding contribution categories.

At the NHS Scotland Events 2024 and 2025, AHPs were well represented, particularly in poster exhibitions focused on person-centred care, safe and effective practice, and population health through partnership working.

Allied Health Professions Compendium

Building on the Scotland’s AHP Compendium 2023, the Scottish Government has commissioned an updated edition with a focus on public health. Health Boards have submitted case studies to showcase the breadth of AHP contributions across all fourteen professions.