Transforming Allergy Care:
The First National Allergy Capability Framework is launched
The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) has launched the National Allergy Capability Framework (ACF), a landmark initiative designed to establish a clear national standard for allergy knowledge, skills and capabilities across the workforce caring for people with allergic disease.
Developed by the BSACI Allergy Education Network (BAEN) as part of the National Allergy Strategy, the framework responds to longstanding concerns about the mismatch between the growing burden of allergic disease and the availability of allergy education and training. The ACF provides, for the first time, a comprehensive guide to the capabilities required by both healthcare and non-healthcare professionals involved in supporting people living with allergy.
Allergic diseases such as asthma, food allergy, anaphylaxis, rhinitis and eczema affect millions of people across the UK and can have a significant impact on health, wellbeing and quality of life. Previous reports have identified considerable variation in allergy training and limited access to specialist expertise, creating challenges for both patients and professionals. The National Allergy Capability Framework has been developed to help address these gaps by defining clear expectations for knowledge and skills across all levels of care.
The framework is designed for anyone who works with or cares for people with allergy, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, dietitians, school staff, social care workers, sports coaches, youth leaders and first aiders.
Central to the framework is a five-tier structure that reflects increasing levels of responsibility and expertise, ranging from basic allergy awareness and signposting through to advanced specialist management of complex and drug allergy. The tiers are based on an individual’s role and scope of practice rather than professional title, ensuring the framework is relevant across a wide range of settings and professions.
President of the BSACI Dr Robin Gore states. “The National Allergy Capability Framework represents a major milestone in advancing allergy education in the UK. By setting clear, nationally recognised capabilities, we aim to support those across health, education and community settings to develop the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, effective and high-quality allergy care. Ultimately, this is about improving outcomes and quality of life for people living with allergic disease.”
The framework outlines ten core capability areas, including allergy awareness, diagnosis, management, patient support, emergency care, leadership and education. It is intended to support individual learning and professional development, while also helping employers, NHS organisations and Integrated Care Systems assess workforce capability and plan training needs.
The launch of the ACF also lays the foundation for BSACI Learn Allergy, a new education platform that will provide structured learning resources aligned to the framework’s capabilities and tiers. Initial resources will be free and are planned to support Tier 3 practitioners, with additional content to follow. The launch of this will be in spring 2027.
As the UK’s leading professional society for healthcare professionals caring for people with allergy, BSACI believes the framework will play a pivotal role in developing a more confident, capable and connected workforce, ensuring that people living with allergic disease receive safe, consistent and high-quality care, regardless of where they access services.
Ends
About the British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI)
The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) is the UK’s leading professional society for healthcare professionals caring for patients with allergy. Through education, training, research and professional collaboration, BSACI works to improve the management of allergic and immunological diseases and advance standards of care across the UK.
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact:
fiona@bsaci.org
www.bsaci.org
BSACI would be delighted to contribute editorial content or present the Allergy Capabilities Framework at face-to-face conferences or online events. If you would be interested in working with us, please do get in touch.
To access the Framework click here (BSACI website)
BSACI National Education Strategy link here (BSACI website)Â Â