Have your say on revised proposals for a new, single-colourway Allied Health Professions uniform for NHS staff in England.

NHS England and Improvement and NHS Supply Chain are seeking support from All AHP organisations for a new, standardised AHP uniform, as part of an ongoing national uniform project.

The outcome of the project will affect all Orthoptists and Orthoptic support workers employed by the NHS in England, in settings where a uniform is worn.

Tell us whether you feel the proposed design and colour choices would meet the needs of occupational therapy practitioners, colleagues, patients and the public. Do you think BIOS should support the proposal that has been put forward?

Please read the following background information and the attached options appraisal, then share your feedback via the short form at the bottom of this page. The consultation will close at 11pm on Sunday 27th February.

Background to the national uniform project

During 2020 and 2021 NHS Supply Chain consulted NHS staff on a proposal to introduce a nationally standardised uniform across the NHS in England. AHPs, including BIOS members, responded to the staff-wide survey, as well as a separate survey specifically for AHPs. Details of the consultation process and results can be found here.

We and other AHP professional bodies have continued to participate in discussions with NHS Supply Chain, to ensure that the views, priorities and preferences of AHP colleagues are addressed in the design of the new uniform.

Ensuring a strong professional identity

RCOT, in collaboration with UNISON, surveyed their members in May 2021 to seek additional comments on the uniform proposals. A strong priority for respondents was that uniforms must help to reinforce a clear professional identity. Two thirds of respondents felt that having different coloured uniforms for each of the allied health professions was the most effective way of enabling patients, visitors and colleagues to distinguish between the different professions.

Addressing sustainability

Increasing sustainability and reducing procurement costs are key aims of the uniform project. Sustainability is a priority across the NHS, with NHS England publishing a commitment to Delivering a Net Zero NHS. A Greener AHP Hub has also been launched to support AHPs to improve their own environmental sustainability.

We recognise the important role that occupational therapists have in addressing sustainability through your professional activities. You can read more about this here.

Single colourway vs individual colours – considering the pros and cons

NHS Supply Chain have produced an options appraisal document in response to feedback from AHP professional bodies regarding the proposed design and colour of AHP uniforms. The appraisal examines the benefits and drawbacks of having different coloured uniforms for each individual allied health profession, in comparison with one colourway option to be worn by all allied health professionals. It considers key factors of:

• Patient and visitor safety
• Professional image and suitability
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Value for money
• Sustainability

Please read the options appraisal by clicking here

What do you think?

Please complete our short survey here

Your response will be anonymous. We will use your comments to inform our ongoing discussions with colleagues at NHS Supply Chain.

If you have any additional questions or comments about this consultation, please email Julie Dowdney, BIOS Vice Chair at vicechair@orthoptics.org.uk