ACPEA Five-Year Strategic Plan

(2026–2031)

Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities (ACPEA)

Vision

To be the leading professional body supporting physiotherapists working in equine-assisted physiotherapy within the UK. We promote excellence in practice, education, research, and professional collaboration, to continuously improve outcomes for our members.

Mission

To support, develop, and represent physiotherapists working in equine-assisted activities through high-quality education, professional support, advocacy, research, and collaboration with national and international partners.

Strategic Priorities

1. Strengthen Member Support and Engagement.

Further develop communication channels, clinical supervision, peer support, mentoring, research opportunities and other member engagement initiatives.

2. Enhance Training and CPD.

Supporting members throughout their career pathway, from initial interest through to expert practitioner, by providing accessible, evidence based, high-quality education through courses, webinars, workshops, peer learning, mentoring and an ongoing CPD programme.

3. Increase the Number of Members and Practicing Physiotherapists.

Grow the Equine-assisted Physiotherapy practitioner community by promoting ACPEA activities, supporting qualified therapists into practice and inspiring new therapists onto an EAT career pathway.

4. Raise the Profile and Influence of ACPEA.

Raise awareness of EAT and ACPEA within the physiotherapy profession and through strategic partnerships with relevant organisations and professional bodies, particularly the CSP and RDA. Maximise opportunities to promote EAT through conferences, publications, social media and other activities within the group’s capacity, while empowering members to actively promote EAT, ACPEA and their own practice.

Governance and Sustainability of ACPEA

Maintain strong governance, succession planning, financial sustainability, and leadership development.

Five-Year Outcomes (2031)

  • Increase members to 105

  • Increase % of members practicing EAT from 56% to 65% based on survey outcomes.

  • Increase range of CPD provision as outlined in the ACPEA 5 year Training Plan 2026. (JP)

  • Maintain working relationships with RDA and CSP. (ND)

  • Catalogue and maintain repository of ACPEA members research activities. (ND, JS, RS, EO)


Prepared for the ACPEA Executive Committee
Strategic Planning Period: 2026–20