NHS England and the office of the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) are seeking views on a professional framework for allied health professions (AHPs) covering the period 2027 to 2032.
The framework will replace AHPs Deliver and set the long-term vision, direction and ambition for the 14 allied health professions within the health and care system. It aims to build on the progress made over the past decade while supporting AHPs to respond to strategic change, advance personalised care and develop a flexible, future-ready workforce.
The Society of Radiographers is urging members to take part and ensure radiography's voice is heard at a critical point in shaping the future of allied health professions in England.
Influencing the future of the profession
Sue Johnson, SoR professional officer for clinical imaging, said: "This is a real opportunity to influence the future of our profession. The priorities reflected in this framework will help shape how allied health professions develop over the coming years, from workforce development and advanced practice to innovation, research and new technologies.
“If radiographers don't help shape the conversation, others will shape it for us. This framework will help set the direction of allied health professions for the next five years. We need to make sure radiography's expertise, achievements, challenges and ambitions are part of that discussion."
The consultation is open to allied health professionals, other health, care and scientific professionals, patients, carers, service users and members of the public. Feedback will help shape the final framework, due to be published in 2027.
Radiographers play a vital role
As the second largest allied health profession, radiography plays a vital role in many of the NHS's key priorities, including earlier diagnosis, cancer care, service transformation, digital innovation and improving access to services. This consultation is an opportunity for the radiography workforce at every stage of their career, from students and support workers to advanced practitioners, educators, leaders and researchers, to help shape the future of both the profession and the wider health and care system.
As part of the consultation, feedback is being sought across six themes:
- Providing safe, high-quality and accessible services
- Keeping people healthy
- People and the AHP workforce
- Working differently
- Research, improvement and innovation
- Data, digital and technology
The SoR believes radiography brings a unique perspective to many of the NHS's current priorities, including:
- Meeting increasing demand for diagnostic and therapeutic services
- Developing advanced practice and consultant roles
- Expanding community and outpatient services
- Adopting artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Supporting prevention, public health and earlier diagnosis
- Delivering research, innovation and quality improvement
- Strengthening the support workforce and multidisciplinary working
- Addressing workforce sustainability, wellbeing and retention
NHS England has also developed engagement resources to support discussions and gather feedback. These can be used by individuals, departments, services, networks and special interest groups to help inform responses.
The consultation closes at 5pm on 18 September 2026. Members can complete the survey online using the AHP Framework Consultation Response Form.