Scope of the strategy

This strategy comprises a definitive collective national reference statement that supports the research and innovation agenda for all allied health professionals.

The Allied Health Professions (AHP) in England include all of the following disciplines: art therapists, drama therapists, music therapists, chiropodists, podiatrists, dietitians, occupational therapists, operating department practitioners, orthoptists, osteopaths, paramedics, physiotherapists, prosthetists and orthotists, diagnostic radiographers, therapeutic radiographers, speech and language therapists. Collectively these 14 allied health professions form the third largest workforce in health and care. Whilst this strategy was commissioned for the AHP workforce in England, it recognises the universal drivers, challenges, influences and common principles.

Our Dorset Innovation

Dorset’s NHS organisations, councils, public services, and voluntary and community partners are working together to use new innovations to support patients and service users.

The hub is one of 4 newly designated Health Foundation Innovation Hubs in the United Kingdom. The innovation hub hosted by University Hospitals Dorset is overseen by a programme group of 13 partners: primary, community secondary and social care, academia, innovation, research, economy, industry and with patient and public involvement and engagement.  

A small team support staff to use new innovations to support patients and service users.

FortisNet

FortisNet is an interdisciplinary network of clinical, academic and industrial partners that aims to develop research, products and services that will transform musculoskeletal health. With expertise in regenerative medicine, engineering, orthopaedics, prosthetics and orthotics, rehabilitation and assistive technologies, epidemiology and clinical trial design, FortisNet aims to improve lives by delivering better treatments, increasing the speed to market of musculoskeletal focused technology and training the next generation of scientists and engineers. To find out more, please contact the Institute for Life Sciences at the University of Southampton: IfLSAdmin@soton.ac.uk.

Dorset Opportunities in Research Network (DORN)

DORN aims to boost opportunities for research, quality improvement (QI), audit and service development for allied health professionals (AHPs) and related professions to enable research to be embedded within clinical practice throughout Dorset, enhancing the effectiveness and quality of healthcare provision with collaborative working between HEIs and clinical settings.

This will be achieved through offering a series of webinars on key topics that will give you an introduction to the area and then sign post you to next steps/opportunities to progress in this area. We also hope that meeting others and seeing the excellent work that is out there will inspire and lead to networking and new opportunities. The direction of DORN is set by delegates, with guidance from the DORN steering group that comprises senior academics from BU and AECC as well as senior clinicians, service and AHP leads from across the Dorset Trusts.

DORN event 1 November 2023

Join us for the DORN conference, a free networking and information event for colleagues interested in research and innovation.

Wednesday 1 November 2023 

13:00 – 16:00

Dorchester Baptist Church, 1 Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RR

Join us for an exciting event that brings together researchers in Dorset. This conference is your chance to explore the possibilities of research and connect with like-minded individuals.

Whether you are new or experienced to research and would like to evidence your practice, or even venture into more formal research, then this event is for you. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend informative stands, and gain valuable insights from experts.

At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to network with colleagues from practice and academia to foster collaborations and open doors to new opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your journey, this event is designed to inspire and empower you.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary gathering of knowledge and innovation.

Book your place, free of charge, now to avoid disappointment! We look forward to seeing you there.

Webinar programme 2022/2023