Waves on a sandy beach

NHS South West strategic research workforce capacity and capability plan on a page

This co-produced document focuses on the education, training, and development of a research skilled workforce. This workforce includes such people as registered health, social care and scientific professionals in the south west, support workers, and their employing organisations and integrated care boards.
We aim to use promotion of the strategy to create a research movement leading to a step change for an aware and research skilled workforce.
View the plan as an online PDF document
There are six domains to this strategy:
  1. Invest in and nurture our workforce
  2. Improve access and equity 
  3. Lead by example
  4. Support South West research priorities 
  5. Grow our influence
  6. Create a thriving research culture 

Professions included in the target workforce:

Allied health professionals (AHPs)
Art therapists 
Drama therapists 
Music therapists 
Podiatrists 
Dietitians 
Occupational therapists 
Operating department practitioners 
Orthoptists 
Osteopaths 
Paramedics 
Physiotherapists 
Prosthetists and orthotists 
Radiographers 
Speech and language therapists


Dental carers (dental care nurses, dental technicians, dental hygienists)
Opticians  
Pharmacists  
Public health professionals  
Chiropractors
Healthcare scientists 
Medical associate professionals (MAPs)  
Midwives
Nurses
Nurse associates  
Registered psychological professionals and psychology practitioners 
Social workers
Clinical researcher practitioners

This regional work programme aims to align the national research strategies with local work at organisational and integrated care board level.