Raising the profile of radiography: the SoR manifesto and strategy launch
On 1 April, the SoR officially relaunched its manifesto and publicised its strategy document at the Houses of Parliament. Attendees tell Synergy about the momentous day and highlight the main themes of the manifesto and strategy
Raising the profile of radiography: the SoR manifesto and strategy launch
On 1 April, the SoR officially relaunched its manifesto and publicised its strategy document at the Houses of Parliament. Attendees tell Synergy about the momentous day and highlight the main themes of the manifesto and strategy
The sun was beaming down on 1 April as the SoR team and radiography professionals filed into the Palace of Westminster to launch the Society of Radiographers’ 2024-27 strategic framework, a document published earlier this year to set out the future priorities for the organisation.
Also on the agenda was relaunching the SoR manifesto, a paper originally presented in Westminster before the UK general election in 2024.
In a room buried underneath the seat of power in the UK, SoR staff members spoke about the importance of the manifesto in fortifying the radiography workforce, and how governmental backing in the matter was key. Points in the society’s strategy framework were also brought up and discussed.
The documents were introduced and explored by a number of SoR team members, including CEO Richard Evans and president Tom Welton. Those in attendance had the opportunity to take part in a Q&A with the SoR team and share their thoughts on the document’s main aims.
But there was a different air compared to the 2024 manifesto launch, which also took place in Westminster. This time, the recently announced abolition of NHS England took up much of the conversation, with the two-year timeline for its assimilation into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) regularly referred to.
What do the manifesto and strategy outline?
The SoR radiography manifesto is a 16-page document that was created in collaboration with members across the UK. It was originally launched before the 2024 general election, which saw the Labour government voted into power.
The manifesto outlines five main demands:
Each of these demands aim to reinforce the existing radiography workforce and future proof it against turmoil – a mission now more important than ever with the abolition of NHS England looming.
Though there are different versions of the manifesto available for all four of the devolved nations, the manifesto introduction states that there is a shared need to “secure enough staff with the right skill mix to meet the continuing rising demand for imaging and radiotherapy treatment” between the nations.
The 2024-27 strategic framework outlines the strategic priorities of both the College of Radiographers and the society across membership, workforce, profession and patients, as well as its shared vision.
“This framework is not only a vision for the future but a call to action for every member of the radiography workforce,” Tom Welton’s strategy introduction reads. “By working together, we can ensure that our profession continues to lead, innovate and deliver outstanding care at the heart of a healthier nation.”
Marcus Jackson, chair of the CoR Board of Trustees, was in attendance at the 2025 launch event. He tells Synergy the manifesto and strategy represent the main goals of the SCoR: “The College of Radiographers, in partnership with the Society of Radiographers, plays a vital role in advancing radiography through education, research and innovation.
“United in purpose, they are shaping the future of radiography with a commitment to excellence and lasting impact. The SCoR strategy 2024-27 and the SoR manifesto together form the aspirational framework for realising these objectives.”
Launching in Westminster
Though the abolition of NHS England loomed over the event, it was hard to dampen the spirits of those in attendance. “I’m really proud that we’re launching the manifesto at Westminster,” Tom tells Synergy. “It really highlights the importance of this, and how we factor in not only lobbying at government level, but all the way through the healthcare system.”
Sonographer and diagnostic radiographer Katie Thompson – who is also the SoR president elect – agrees, adding that the event would help to raise the profile of radiography among stakeholders. “It’s important that we’ve come to Westminster today to launch the manifesto and strategy,” she says. “I think it’s helpful to highlight and raise the profile of radiography. It’s really important for members.”
The launch took place across most of the afternoon. Though many attendees were there from start to finish, MPs dropped in as their days wrapped up to take in the action. Reflecting on this, Dean Rogers, executive director of industrial strategy and member relations, emphasises the importance of presenting the manifesto and strategy to stakeholders and networking to further the cause. “It’s nice to be in parliament reflecting on where we’ve got to so far – having launched the manifesto here before the election – and setting out where we go with it next to influencers and policymakers,” Dean explains. “It’s also a nice networking event. It’s an opportunity to meet and take that conversation forward.”
Emphasising patient voice
Tonia Antoniazzi, MP for Gower, was one of the MPs that attended the event. As a longstanding supporter of radiography and the SoR, she highlights the importance of the profession nationally and the need to garner governmental support. “Radiography is so important and plays such a vital part in our healthcare system, making sure people are well,” she tells Synergy, addressing her message to members. “I think they’re very much the unsung heroes of the health profession. Keep doing what you’re doing. Members of parliament are here to promote your manifesto and your work because it is key to the future of the health of our nation.”
For Charlotte Beardmore, executive director of professional policy at the SoR, the launch event provided the opportunity to discuss how the strategy can better support radiographers. She says influencing stakeholders is one thing, but influencing government at a time when NHS England is restructuring will be a different beast. “Importantly, looking at the profession and how we can better support the profession for the future through influencing all the other stakeholders we work with,” she explains. “Influencing government with the new structures – we’re not sure what that’s going to look like. We’ve always been a profession that has changed, and the strategy recognises that.”
Charlotte also highlights patient voice as one of the most important parts of the SoR strategy. In ensuring the workforce is correctly funded and well equipped, patient voice can continue to be a priority for radiographers: “We are patients ourselves. Our families are patients. We want to make sure that the radiography workforce is equipped with the highest level of skills and able to adapt to the changing context.”
Cultivating the radiography workforce
Also in attendance were two Therapeutic Radiographers, Edward Feldon and Liam Wiles. Dressed in scrubs, they each tell Synergy that it was refreshing to hear therapeutic radiography referred to throughout the launch event. “It was particularly nice to hear about radiotherapy and making sure it gets its own voice as well as radiography in general,” says Edward.
Liam adds: “As Therapeutic Radiographers, we’re such a small staff group compared to the diagnostic. I think it helps that we’re in front in uniform.
“I feel like the society has a very good vision for overcoming issues that we see within the profession, particularly with professional development and career pathways.”
SoR vice president Rachel Nolan spoke about the need to encourage members to cultivate change on the ground so the profession can continue to thrive. “Workforce for me is such an important strategy for the SoR,” she commented. “We must support and develop our workforce not only now but for the future, as radiography plays a pivotal role in modern healthcare.
“We need to empower our members to make changes at grassroots level for the advancement of our profession.”
All eyes on radiography
Much of the event was chaired by Richard Evans, CEO of the Society of Radiographers. As the day wrapped up, and attendees networked over tea and sandwiches, he tells Synergy how important the SoR’s strategy will continue to be over the next few years. “Our strategy for the next three years is focusing on membership, workforce, the profession and patients,” he says. “We’ve been able to highlight each of those segments today, talk about them and discuss them. It’s been great to hear other people’s perspectives – not only our own – and why these are important for our work as a professional body and trade union.
“It’s been excellent to launch here, but also to bring our strategy public for everyone to see.”
As already established, the effects of assimilating NHS England with the DHSC are not yet known. With this in mind, it’s too early to say how the abolition will affect the key aims outlined in the radiography manifesto and strategy. Nonetheless, it remained a focal point throughout the event.
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More about the SoR manifesto and strategy
The SoR manifesto was originally published in 2024, ahead of the UK general election. It was created in partnership with SoR members across the UK. It details five demands: restore pay to 2008 levels, implement workforce planning now and for the future, enact effective training and development routes, ensure safe working practices and staffing, and establish a consensus on funding.
The 2024-27 strategic framework was launched earlier this year. The framework outlines prime concerns for the SCoR, focusing on membership, workforce, profession, patients and the College and Society’s shared vision for the years ahead.
Read more about the strategy document here and the manifesto here.
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