What is an AHA for? Two competing ideas that still shape the workforce
We often talk about the Allied Health Assistant workforce as though it represents a single model of work. Behind the title “Allied Health Assistant”, however, sit two quite different ideas about what an assistant is for. Both have shaped the workforce we have today, both have strengths, and many of the tensions AHAs experience at […]
What would recognition look like for allied health assistants and support workers
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash What would change if allied health assistants and support workers were recognised for the work they actually do? That question guided AHANA’s second Allied Health Assistants Without Borders discussion, which brought together participants from Australia and the UK with Professor Richard Griffin MBE of King’s College London. The conversation […]
AHA Without Borders: Fireside Chat with Professor Richard Griffin
At our first Allied Health Assistants Without Borders conversation, participants described their workforce in two striking words: undervalued and emerging. Tomorrow, Professor Richard Griffin MBE will join me to help take that conversation further. Richard has researched the UK support workforce extensively, including its roles, career pathways and continuing struggle for recognition. He is currently […]
AHANA Subscriber Newsletter – September 2026
Hello everyone, Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. AHANA’s transition to a free (inter)national network is underway. Our focus remains on connecting Allied Health Assistants locally and globally, sharing useful information and strengthening the workforce’s voice. This month, we’d particularly like you to be part of the […]
Give AHAs a place in the decisions that shape their work
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com M on Unsplash Many health services have guidance on AHA roles, delegation and supervision. Putting that guidance into everyday practice takes time, clear decisions and people who understand how the work happens. Allied Health Assistants themselves need a place in that process. That is one of the most useful messages […]
AHANA FAQ Session: Career Pathways for AHAs – Is This a Job or a Profession?
This session explores how Allied Health Assistant roles are developing into clear career pathways, and what it means to view AHA work as more than just a job. It will look at professional identity, progression opportunities, and the value AHAs bring to the workforce. What: AHANA FAQ Session: Career Pathways for AHAs – Is This […]
Welcome to the new home of the AHANA community
Welcome. If you’re an Allied Health Assistant, work alongside AHAs, employ or educate them, or are simply interested in the future of the assistant workforce, you’re in the right place. Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is the new online home of the Allied Health Assistant […]
AHANA Subscriber Newsletter – August 2026
AHANA is changing — not disappearing Over the past four years, AHANA has been working to build something that Allied Health Assistants have never really had before: a strong national identity, a professional community and a collective voice. Today, we’re writing to let our wider AHANA community know about an important change in how we […]
What Does “Supervision” Actually Mean in Allied Health Assistance?
This session explores what supervision means in practice for Allied Health Assistants, including roles, responsibilities, communication, and accountability. It will help clarify how effective supervision supports safe, confident, and well-governed AHA practice. Presenter: Tara Intarapanya Focus: Clarifying supervision models, roles and responsibilities, communication expectations, and how effective supervision supports safe and accountable practice. Thanks for […]
Your AHANA Bulletin – Exclusive webinars, Membership news, CPD updates, AHA jobs
AHA Connect – August 7, 2026 Hi <<First Name>>, An update on learning resources for AHANA members AHANA’s professional learning resources are moving closer to where our members already connect with us—directly from the fortnightly AHANA newsletter. Future newsletters will include regular learning content developed or selected specifically for Allied Health Assistants. This may include […]