NHS England commits to safe and effective staffing guidance for AHPs

Late last month, NHS England confirmed its commitment to expanding safe staffing guidance to include allied health professionals (AHPs), marking a major milestone for the physiotherapy profession.  

Following the CSP strike in 2023, striking unions secured a deal with NHS England that included pay increases and non-pay elements. One of these was a seat on NHSE’s safe staffing working group. The CSP has used this opportunity to highlight the urgent need for safe and effective staffing guidance for all AHPs. 

Current staffing guidance, which NHS trusts report against twice yearly, has largely focused on nursing levels. However, NHS England has now agreed to commission a new evidence review that will consider AHP workforce requirements. 

This review will lay the groundwork for guidance indicating safe and effective AHP staffing levels in community-based rehab and therapy services, and AHP roles in critical care, mental health, children’s services, maternity, urgent and emergency care, and beyond. 

The CSP has been instrumental in advocating for this change and will continue amplifying the voice of the physiotherapy profession as the new guidance is developed.  

This step forward not only underscores the essential contributions of AHPs but also signals a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to safe staffing across the NHS. 

Claire Sullivan, director of CSP’s employment relations and union services, said: 'This breakthrough is a win every CSP member can be proud of—a testament to the power of standing together. 

When we stood on the picket lines in January 2023, we made it clear: things had to change. 

'Now, we’re seeing part of that change with new national guidance that finally recognises the vital role physiotherapy staff play in patient safety and will go some way to ensuring that services are adequately staffed.'

Ash James, director of practice and development at the CSP, said: 'Any new safe and effective staffing guidance for AHPs will be a valuable tool for physiotherapy leaders and managers. 

'NHS trusts will be required to consider this guidance in their twice-yearly staffing reviews. The CSP will keep members updated as new guidance comes on stream, and will support our members to use it in the most impactful manner.'

The CSP’s head of policy, Rachel Newton, has been at the forefront of representing the voice of the physiotherapy profession in this process. Read what she has to say about this change