Welcome!
The five-year Allied Health Professions Workforce Research Partnership (AHP WRaP) aims to improve patient care by ensuring staff in allied health roles – such as paramedics, physiotherapists and radiographers – have the right skills and are available when and where they are needed in NHS hospitals, community services, and general practice.
Our partnership brings together individuals and organisations from across disciplines and sectors in three regional workforce research hubs to deliver prioritised AHP workforce research using participatory approaches. The partnership is led by Sheffield Hallam University (PI Professor Julie Nightingale) with partners at Anglia Ruskin University, the University of Suffolk, University of Lincoln, University of Sheffield, and NHS East of England.
Community of Partnerships
AHP WRaP is one of five workforce research partnerships funded by HSDR. All are focused on different issues for the workforce across the health and care system, and collectively we will be building a comprehensive programme of work to address workforce challenges in coming years.
Adult Social Care Workforce Research Partnership
The Adult Social Care Workforce Partnership led by Prof Ann-Marie Towers at the Kings College London, and Prof Karen Spilsbury at the University of Leeds.
Staff Wellbeing
Innovative partnerships to enable staff to care well under pressure and thrive at work. Led by Prof Cath Taylor and Prof Jill Maben at the University of Surrey.
SURGE
The Same Day and Urgent Care Workforce Research Partnership (SURGE). Led by Professor Sarah Voss at the University of the West of England.
Workforce Voices
Workforce Voices is led by Professor Gill Vance and Dr Bryan Burford at Newcastle University.
“The NHS is facing a shortage of allied health professionals, particularly in rural and coastal areas where attracting and retaining staff is especially challenging. As a result, some patients struggle to access vital services such as scans, cancer treatment, and rehabilitation. Our research is essential to understand the problem so we can help the NHS address the staffing crisis and improve patient care.”
Prof Julie Nightingale
Programme Director, AHP WRaP
Recent Updates
-
Public & Patient Survey Launched
Can you help shape better healthcare services for everyone? Your input will help us to focus on areas for future research and questions that matter most to you. ? Take our quick survey and have your say! It’s open to patients, carers, and anyone in the community who wants to help improve health services.” Researchers…
-
Five New Projects Funded!
We are delighted to announce the successful projects for the first round of the AHP WRaP FlexFund. Many congratulations to the successful applicants! The winning projects are as follows:
-
FlexFund Round 1 – NOW CLOSED
The first round of the AHP WRaP FlexFund is now closed. Applicants will be notified about the outcome in early August, with successful projects due to commence from September. Round 2 will launch in November 2025.