A hugely positive step, but not the end of the journey

The commitment from NHS England (NHSE) to commission a review which will lay the groundwork for AHP safe and effective staffing levels is a significant step for the physiotherapy profession. 

In 2023, CSP members bravely took industrial action. One of the outcomes of this action was securing a seat for AHP unions at the NHSE Safe Staffing Working Group. This provided us an unprecedented opportunity to represent the voice of the physiotherapy professions and underscore the need for clear, evidence-based guidance around staffing for AHPs. 

The lack of such guidance to date has meant that, unlike nursing, there is no national standard by which physiotherapy staffing levels are assessed. We know this can be a frustrating barrier, often leaving physiotherapy staff feeling that low staffing levels go unnoticed by Trust leadership. Without safe and effective staffing level guidance for AHPs, the potential harm and risk to patients brought about inadequate physiotherapy staffing can feel invisible. We know this contributes to staff burnout.  

NHSE’s decision to move forward with commissioning this guidance is a positive step, but it is not the end of our journey. Our next task will be to ensure that the guidance developed is robust, practical, and reflective of the demands placed on physiotherapy staff across diverse settings. 

It’s essential that these standards be consistently monitored and reported, just as they are for nursing, so that physiotherapy services have the workforce they need to deliver safe, effective, and timely care 

We also recognise that guidance alone won’t fix the problem—NHS Trusts must be fully supported to implement these standards. This means creating funded posts and ensuring the retention and development of physiotherapy staff at all levels. By doing so, we can secure the growth and sustainability of the physiotherapy workforce, giving patients timely access to vital rehabilitation and recovery support.