Ruth Allarton
Head of Department of Allied Health Professions
Summary
Ruth has been Head of Department of Allied Health Professions since 2009. Committed to developing new roles for allied health professionals and promoting the contribution they make to the health and wellbeing of individuals, Ruth maintains a strong professional network in order to achieve this.
Prior to coming to SHU Ruth practised as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in various NHS roles for 18 years. She managed a lively out-patient department in Bassetlaw and was part of a research team developing functional outcome measures.
Since joining the university she has carried out a number of roles including Subject Group Leader for physiotherapy and Head of Programme Area for sport and physiotherapy.
About
Ruth has been Head of Department of Allied Health Professions (AHP) since its inception in 2009. Bringing together 6 AHP professions to form a high performing department. Prior to coming to SHU Ruth practised as a musculoskeletal physiotherapist in various NHS roles for 18 years. Ruth managed a lively out-patient department in Bassetlaw and was part of a research team developing functional outcome measures.
Ruth joined Sheffield Hallam University in 1999 as a senior lecturer involved in course design and delivery at BSc and MSc level. Since 2001 Ruth has undertaken a number of leadership roles across the university including Subject Group Leader for physiotherapy and Head of Programme Area for sport and physiotherapy before becoming Head of the Department of Allied Health Professions.
From 2003 to 2004 Ruth was seconded to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) as an Education Advisor where she managed several national projects
- guidance for supporting students with disability on placement (published)
- a review of 1000 hours of clinical education
- guidance for expectations of doctoral level programmes for CSP endorsement
- mapping of foundation programmes
Ruth is currently registered on a Doctorate exploring the viability of physiotherapists as first contact musculoskeletal practitioners in primary care.
Workforce Transformation
New roles for AHPs
AHPs as first contact practitioners
Teaching
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
Other activities
Ruth's external roles include Chair of Educational Awards Panel and member of Charitable Trust, CSP, External Examiner for UCLAN, MSc in Exercise Prescription and University of Hertford, non-medical prescribing programme, Chair of Trent Board CSP, and Member of the Department of Health steering group for the development of the national framework of prescribing competencies for allied health professionals.
Ruth is currently a member of the Council of Deans reference group for PEEP project, a Partner Governor at Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Foundation Trust and a Governor at Tuxford Academy.
Ruth is a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.