14 October 2025
The RCSLT alongside other professional bodies and trade union partners have published a joint statement on AHP Day 2025 to recognise the vital role of the AHP support workforce.
On AHPs Day 2025, we proudly reaffirm our commitment to optimising the contribution of the Allied Health Professions (AHP) support workforce. This joint statement, endorsed by professional bodies and trade union partners, highlights the progress made since our 2021 call to action and outlines our shared vision for the future.
The AHP support workforce, including support workers and assistant practitioners, plays a vital role in delivering high-quality, efficient, and safe services across health and care settings. From developing national frameworks to expanding apprenticeships and CPD opportunities, we’ve made significant strides in recognising and supporting this essential workforce.
A call to action
We are calling on support workers to:
- Engage with upcoming projects and workstreams aimed at developing your roles.
- Access and promote profession-specific resources, career frameworks, and guidance on supervision and delegation.
- Connect with professional bodies and trade unions to amplify your voice and access support.
We are asking managers and leaders to:
- Champion the support workforce by embedding inclusive practices and career development pathways.
- Ensure access to education, training, and CPD so support workers can work to their full potential.
- Recognise and promote the value of support workers in service delivery and workforce planning.
To support this call to action, the signatory organisations have jointly developed a suite of resources – including frameworks, guidance documents, and practical tools –designed to empower support workers and equip leaders to foster their development. RCSLT resources are available in our support worker hub for support workers and their managers and are intended to be used actively in workforce planning, supervision, and career progression.
Together, we can build a future where every member of the AHP support workforce is empowered to thrive, supported in their development, and recognised for their vital contribution.
Responding to this statement, RCSLT CEO Steve Jamieson said: “Support workers play a vital role in delivering effective UK wide speech and language therapy services and we welcome the launch of this statement on AHP day and during Support Worker awareness week. We are committed to advocating for our support workforce and their managers. We urge employers and our members to implement the recommendations in this statement.”
