28 February 2025
SLTs have been central to the development of the new UK Allied Health Professions (AHP) Public Health Strategic Framework.
The UK Allied Health Professions (AHP) Public Health Strategic Framework 2025–2030, provides the vision and goals to support the ambition to further embed public health as part of AHP roles and ensure the positive impact on public health by AHPs is recognised and valued.
Published in January 2025, it builds on the foundations established by the first framework. During the 2019–2024 framework, RCSLT and other professional bodies contributed to significant achievements, such as ensuring that 100% of Higher Education Institutions now include public health in AHP pre-registration education and supporting the publication of over 80 AHP public health case studies. These efforts have highlighted the crucial role of speech and language therapists in public health initiatives.
The new strategy was developed collaboratively by AHP teams, professional bodies including the RCSLT, and partner organisations across the UK and sets out five key goals:
- enhancing knowledge and skills
- tackling health inequalities
- promoting sustainability
- demonstrating impact
- strengthening leadership
These objectives are designed to empower AHPs to co-produce health services with communities, focusing on promoting wellbeing, preventing ill health, and reducing health disparities.
SLTs have been central to the development of the 2025–2030 strategy. Julie Lowe, a public health registrar and speech and language therapist, led the development of the framework and RCSLT commends her efforts. Additionally, Rachal Middleton, RCSLT’s public health representative, was an active member of the working group that shaped the strategy.
With ongoing representation on the AHP Public Health Strategy Board, RCSLT will continue to support the implementation of the new framework, ensuring that speech and language therapists remain at the forefront of public health efforts across the UK.
