Published: 17 July 2024
Dr Lisa Ledger has been appointed NIHR Assistant Director of Allied Health Professions. The new role will develop national initiatives to provide research career opportunities for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs).
She will provide leadership for AHPs who lead, support or deliver NIHR research. Dr Ledger will also support those who take part in NIHR academic research training.
Dr Ledger said: “I am delighted to be given this opportunity, to shape allied health professions (AHPs) research capacity and capability, creating visibility and direction at a national level. I am really passionate about the unique and vital contribution that AHPs make in the delivery of high quality, best evidenced, health and social care.”
Supporting research capacity for AHPs
Dr Ledger will be responsible for developing and supporting research development for AHPs. This includes working with the:
- Allied Health Professional bodies
- Council for Allied Health Professions Research
- NHS England
She will also highlight the difference that AHPs can make to health and social care outcomes through research. Dr Ledger will also encourage more AHPs to become research active.
Ruth Endacott, NIHR Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: “I’m thrilled Lisa has been appointed to lead our allied health professionals who are involved in research. I welcome her as our first appointment to this new role. Her senior academic and clinical experience will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our engagement with allied health professionals in research.”
Dr Ledger is a qualified occupational therapist. She has worked in a range of health care settings. This includes specialising in rehabilitation, specialist seating and posture management. Dr Ledger has an MSc in Rehabilitation Science and a PhD in Health Sciences. Her areas of research include pressure ulcer prevention and person-centred practice.
Dr Ledger’s previous experience includes senior leadership working across integrated care systems, quality assurance roles including external examiner appointments. She has also held leadership roles in higher education institutions and worked on behalf of professional bodies.
NIHR training and support available for AHPs
Last year, NIHR agreed to spend an extra £30 million a year to increase research opportunities. The funding includes helping a wide range of HCPs across England, including AHPs.
One of NIHR’s areas of strategic focus is to make academic career pathways attractive for AHPs who often lack advancement into senior research posts. The new role will act as a champion and advocate for AHP research careers.
NIHR currently provides various help and support for AHPs, including:
- courses and qualifications for those taking their first steps in research.
- flexible training programmes to enable AHPs to balance a research and practice-based career.
- support to help AHPs along their academic career path.