Health policy in the UK is shaped by a complex mix of national and devolved decision-making. While England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales share a commitment to improving patient care and supporting the health and care workforce, each nation has its own priorities and approach. The College’s policy work covers all 4 Nations, in recent weeks there have been significant developments across the UK with new strategies, workforce planning, and political engagement that will shape the future of healthcare delivery.
England
The UK Government has released further details on Neighbourhood Health Services, designed to make access to healthcare easier and closer to home. Roll out of Neighbourhood Health Services is due to begin in September 2025 across 42 of the most deprived areas, with neighbourhood health teams offering diagnostics, rehab, mental health support and more under one roof.
These plans form part of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan for England, “Fit for the Future” was unveiled on 3 July 2025, introducing three core shifts: care moving from hospitals to neighbourhoods; digitisation (notably via an upgraded NHS App and AI tools); and a preventive focus targeting public health (e.g. obesity, mental health, smoking). The College of Paramedics shared views and experiences from members to feed into the development of the plan, we will continue to ensure the voice of paramedics are heard as the plan is rolled out.
Northern Ireland
The Department of Health has begun its workforce review of paramedicine, a key element of the wider programme to support Allied Health Professional (AHP) practice. The College of Paramedics is actively represented on the working group, which will meet every two months and aims to complete its work within 12–18 months. Members will be kept updated on progress, so do keep a look out for updates via our website and our News Digest.
This work is part of Workforce Planning overseen by the AHP Workforce Review Programme Steering Group, which aims to understand workforce needs, in order to plan effectively to maintain and develop services into the future.
Scotland
Karen Titchener was appointed as Scotland’s first Patient Safety Commissioner in May, due to take office in September 2025. The commissioner’s role is to advocate for systematic improvement in the safety of health care in Scotland, and promote the importance of the views of patients and other members of the public in relation to the safety of health care.
The College of Paramedics is a member of the Allied Health Professions Federation Scotland (AHPFS), the group are developing a joint AHP manifesto ahead of the Scottish elections next year. Mandy Powell, Policy & Public Affairs Manager, and Kirsty Lowery-Richardson, Head of Education will be representing the College at a parliamentary engagement event at Holyrood in September, engaging with MSPs.
Wales
Our Policy & Public Affairs Manager, Mandy Powell, recently attended a Cardiff meeting of the Sir Charlie Mayfield Keep Britain Working review, highlighting the vital contribution of AHPs and paramedics in keeping people well. Mandy also recently took part in the AHP Dementia Network Wales meeting, which explored ideas to develop the next Dementia Action Plan.
In June the College and other Allied Health Professions met with the First Minister of Wales and other Ministers in Llandudno to present the joint AHPF Cymru manifesto and take part in roundtable health discussions, promoting understanding of the work of AHPs and paramedics.
On Wednesday the 25th of June 2025, the topic of adopting a national workforce strategy for Allied Health Professionals in Wales was debated in the Welsh Senedd. The motion was forwarded by Mabon ap Gwynfor, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, and called on the Welsh Government to commit to three actions; to adopt a national workforce strategy for AHPs, increase the number of student placements for AHPs, and increase routes to qualifications in Wales to meet growing demand. The campaign to secure a debate came as a result of an effort from the Allied Health Professional Framework Cymru of which the College is a member.
The debate was a positive one, with Members of the Senedd from a number of parties expressing their support for the motion and agreeing that a national workforce strategy was vital.
Please contact our policy team for further information or to raise any issues.
Tom Talyor, Policy Assistant tom.taylor@collegeofparamedics.co.uk
Mandy Powel, Policy & Public Affairs Manager mandy.powell@collegeofparamedics.co.uk