The annual event celebrates the work of allied health professionals (AHPs), who together make up the third largest clinical workforce in health and care. 

Celebrating AHPs Deliver 

This year's theme in England is Celebrating AHPs Deliver, recognising the achievements of the professions under NHS England's current allied health professions strategy. 

The strategy, which runs until 2027, focuses on improving care, addressing health inequalities, developing the workforce and strengthening collaboration between professions. 

What comes next for AHPs? 

A new framework, provisionally titled AHPs: A Framework for System Impact, is expected to be published in spring 2027. It will set out the long-term direction for England's 14 registered allied health professions. Podiatrists were recently given the opportunity to give their views. 

As part of today's celebrations, Professor Suzanne Rastrick CBE, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for England, shared a message with the workforce. Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, also wished allied health professionals a happy AHPs Day. 

The winners of the 2026 Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Awards are also due to be announced. 

Marking the day 

AHPs Day was established in 2018 following an idea from dietitian Rachael Brandreth and speech and language therapist Carrie Biddle. The first event took place on 14 October that year and has since grown into an international celebration. 

Podiatrists and other AHPs are encouraged to share their work, recognise colleagues and take part in local events using #AHPsDay. 

Further information and resources are available through the National AHP Virtual Hub. Details of the current strategy can be found on the NHS England website.