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

Strategic Goal 5: Health and Wellbeing of the Workforce

Our fifth strategic goal is to ensure AHP expertise is used to protect and improve the health and wellbeing of health and care workers.

Staff wellbeing is essential at every stage of training and throughout their careers. Mental, emotional, and physical health, alongside healthy lifestyle choices, all contribute to a resilient workforce. AHPs, with their broad expertise in health improvement, are well placed to lead initiatives that support both their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.

Key outcomes:

• AHPs are supported to protect and improve their own health and wellbeing.
• AHPs contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of the wider health and care workforce.

Recognising that employment is a key determinant of health, NHS Boards are supporting AHPs to help individuals return to and remain in work through various initiatives. National wellbeing tools such as iMatters, WRAP, Wellness at Work, and the National Wellbeing Programme continue to be promoted.

Supervision is a vital support mechanism across the AHP career framework. Scotlands Position Statement on supervision highlights its role in providing safe spaces for reflection. For example, NHS Shetland has surveyed AHPs to evaluate supervision quality and promote varied approaches through Practice Educator Leads. NHS 24 has implemented the Our Wellbeing Matters strategy (2023–2025) with an associated action plan.

Supporting AHP student wellbeing is also a priority, with NHS Boards implementing a range of initiatives to ensure students feel supported throughout their placements and education journey.

Moving Forward

AHPs in Scotland have made significant progress in delivering the recommendations of the Scottish Allied Health Professions Public Health Strategic Framework Implementation Plan: 2022–2027. Now at the halfway point, the necessary infrastructure is in place to support continued delivery through to 2027.

We remain committed to advancing the five strategic goals: Developing the AHP Workforce; Demonstrating Impact; Increasing the Profile of the AHP Public Health Role; Building Strategic Connections and Leadership; and Supporting Workforce Health and Wellbeing.

Aligned with the UK AHP Public Health Strategic Framework 2025–2030, we recognise the need to reduce health inequalities and ensure equitable access to services. This includes embedding principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion across all AHP activity. We welcome national initiatives such as Marmot Places, the National Carers Strategy, the National Islands Plan, and Keeping the Promise, and are committed to delivering value-based, sustainable healthcare in line with Scotland’s Environment Strategy and Realistic Medicine .

AHPs are central to health and social care reform, contributing to the Service Renewal Framework and its five principles: Prevention, People, Community, Population, and Digital. They are embracing digital innovation such as the national Type 2 Diabetes Remission Programme, Near Me, and Group Consultations while mitigating digital exclusion. AHPs are also involved in AI research, innovation pathways, and play key roles in National Treatment Centres, front-door initiatives, frailty support, and improving flow in services like the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS 24.

Their contribution to the Population Health Framework is evident through leadership in initiatives such as the Health and Work Action Plan, Alcohol and Drugs Plan, Early Years Speech, Language and Communication Plan, Healthcare Inequalities Plan, and Long-Term Conditions Framework. AHPs are also integral to the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan, food environment and healthy weight actions, physical activity policy, and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Working across acute, primary, community care, education, local authorities, third sector, and academia, AHPs are embedded in communities and support the shift in the balance of care. They continue to implement the Once for Scotland rehabilitation approach, reduce delayed discharges, improve waiting times, and support care delivery in homes and care settings through aids, adaptations, and housing support, including the Hospital at Home programme.

We remain committed to delivering both the Scottish and four-nations strategic frameworks for the benefit of the people of Scotland and beyond.

The Programme for Government 2025 prioritises public health improvement through prevention, early intervention, and reducing inequalities. It focuses on strengthening community health services, expanding access to care, and supporting mental health and wellbeing. Key priorities include investment in health and social care, tackling drug and alcohol harms, and integrating population health strategies to improve outcomes across all communities.