SoR Support Worker and Assistant Practitioner (SWAP) Resource Hub

The recent Imaging Support Workforce and Assistant Practitioner survey highlighted key areas for improvement which included: 

• Training and eduction
• Resource accessibility

In response, we’ve listened to the workforce and collaborated with an expert group and professionals across England to curate a suite of high-quality resources tailored to your needs.

This hub offers an extensive collection of resources and e-learning opportunities, all aligned with the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework. These tools are ideal for all staff working within the supportive and assistive levels of clinical imaging.

The imaging support workforce is essential, fulfilling both technical and patient care roles across four primary levels:

• Clinical support worker
• Senior clinical support worker
• Mammography associate
• Assistant practitioner

These professionals assist radiographers by handling various administrative, clerical, and clinical tasks, which can include preparing equipment, managing patient records, and supporting patient care before, during, and after imaging procedures.

At higher levels, support workers may perform specific imaging tasks, such as protocol-driven examinations, under the supervision of registered radiographers. Their roles are guided by a structured framework to ensure consistency, safety, and the effective use of skills within imaging departments, contributing significantly to patient experience and service efficiency.

Working alongside radiographers, these professionals contribute to safe, efficient, and high-quality imaging services.

Key contributions include:

• Patient care: supporting patients throughout their imaging journey, including preparation, positioning, and ensuring their comfort and well-being during procedures.
• Technical assistance: preparing and maintaining imaging equipment, conducting basic quality checks, and ensuring imaging rooms are ready for use.
• Administrative support: managing patient records, stock, and supplies to ensure efficient department operations.
• Clinical support: assisting in complex procedures and performing limited imaging tasks under radiographer supervision, depending on training and role.

Find out more here: https://www.collegeofradiographers.ac.uk/education-and-career-framework-ecf/support-workers

This workforce has faced several challenges with the recent Support Workforce and Assistance Practitioner 2024 survey identified the following issues:

• Awareness of resources is low
• SWAPs - Experience of work with 40% wanting to become a registered professional in the future, but not having a clear career pathway.
• Lack of radiography specific competency framework
• No nationally defined core training needs
• Limited access to education
• Staff stating they often struggle to access the training they need to improve patient care.
• Restricted career progression with few opportunities for advancement. 

As a result, their contributions are not always maximized, and their work experience can be less positive.

This hub is designed specifically for clinical support workers, senior clinical support workers, assistant practitioners and their managers to overcome these historic barriers and have everything in one place.   

We hope that implementing these resources locally offers significant benefits for staff, organisations, and patients. These resources can help boost job satisfaction and morale for staff and practitioners, leading to lower turnover and fewer absences.

Clear job competencies and defined scopes of practice will also improve task delegation, freeing up time for other staff and ensuring safe, effective care. 

Organisations will also benefit from the productivity gains, such as reduced turnover, as well as being able to sign post individuals to this hub for easy collated information.

Ensuring this workforce’s contribution is fully recognised and optimised, benefiting staff, services, and patients.