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This wider discussion reflects that advanced practice is now securely a multi-professional arena, where any decision that affects one part of the advanced practice workforce will impact on another. For years, physiotherapists have been trailblazers, pioneers of patient pathway reform. Many members are now asking, how will this impact me in my current or potential career as an advanced practitioner? The answer in the short term is it probably won’t. The HCPC has indicated they do not intend to follow suit, so regulatory requirements for physiotherapists remain unchanged. It will also take

Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that offer structured career development to individuals who can ‘earn as they learn’. For employers, they provide the potential to address workforce gaps or skills shortages through improving supply and retention, whilst also diversifying their workforce which benefits the populations they serve. We have seen recent growth in the number and type of apprenticeships that are available to support the development of our physiotherapy workforce, from support worker through to advanced practice level, reflecting the value placed upon apprenticeships

NHS England (NHSE) has made significant changes to the roadmap process for first contact physiotherapists (FCPs) working in primary care. While there has been no national announcement, we are aware these changes are being shared in some regions. The changes affect FCPs currently undertaking the portfolio route of the FCP roadmap – originally established by Health Education England (HEE) now NHSE Workforce, Training and Education team (NHSE WTE) – those about to do so, and members currently acting as supervisors in the process. This blog sets out the changes in more detail, our position and

The 2022/23 specification , recently published in England, is part of the annual NHS GP Contract. It empowers general practice to improve the range of services it offers to its populations working in primary care networks (PCNs). Most FCPs in England are funded through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS). The contract sets out the detailed requirements for reimbursement of all staff contracted or recruited under the ARRS. It sets clear expectations around the level of practice and role of an MSK FCP, the embedding of FCP in primary care and access to appropriate supervision and