The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Allied Health Professions is a cross-party group of parliamentarians that works with the AHP community to raise awareness of the contribution Allied Health Professionals make to health and care, and to influence policy on issues affecting the profession. Through inquiries and evidence-gathering activities, the APPG provides a platform for professionals, organisations and people with lived experience to help shape national policy and practice.
The APPG has now launched a Call for Evidence as part of a new inquiry into the role of AHPs in delivering and enabling neighbourhood health. The inquiry aims to explore how AHPs contribute to neighbourhood-based models of care and what changes in policy, commissioning, workforce development and service design could help maximise their impact.
Neighbourhood health is a central component of the Government's 10-Year Health Plan, with an emphasis on improving population health, reducing health inequalities and providing more care closer to home. AHPs play a vital role across prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and supporting people to live independently within their communities. However, the APPG notes that there is significant variation in how neighbourhood health services are designed and delivered across the country, limiting the full potential of the AHP workforce.
The inquiry is seeking evidence, case studies and examples of best practice across a range of themes, including AHP leadership, funding and commissioning, workforce development, multidisciplinary partnerships and reducing health inequalities. Contributions are encouraged from professional bodies, clinicians, students, NHS organisations, local authorities, researchers, voluntary and community organisations, patient groups and individuals with lived experience.
The evidence gathered will inform recommendations for Government, Integrated Care Boards, NHS organisations and wider health and care partners on how AHPs can help realise the ambitions of neighbourhood health and improve outcomes for local communities.
Deadline for submissions: 5pm, Tuesday 1 September 2026. Evidence should be submitted to [email protected]
