Helen Batty

Helen Batty is an Associate Professor and Associate Head of the School of Health & Social Care at Sheffield Hallam University, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare education. She joined the university in 2002 and has held significant leadership roles focused on student recruitment, outreach, and curriculum innovation. As a qualified physiotherapist since 1989, she bridges clinical expertise with academic leadership, currently serving as Associate Head responsible for student recruitment and outreach.

Helen's research interests center on transformative approaches to healthcare education, particularly her pioneering work on the '4 pillars of practice' framework (clinical practice, education, leadership, and research). She has developed innovative practice-based learning models across allied health professions, with emphasis on simulation, widening participation, and inclusive educational delivery. Her expertise spans curriculum design, placement expansion, and staff development within healthcare education.

Analysis of Helen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on implementing the 4-pillar practice-based learning model across various healthcare disciplines. Her work demonstrates systematic evaluation of simulated placements, graduate skill development, and innovative approaches to addressing placement capacity challenges. The research shows increasing interdisciplinary collaboration and a growing emphasis on preparing students for complex, evolving healthcare environments through comprehensive professional development.

• Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (FCSP)
• Principal Fellow of Advance HE (PFHEA)

Helen leads the AHP Practice-Based Learning Community of Practice (@AHPpracticeCoP), an online platform for health professionals interested in practice-based learning innovations. She serves as a Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Education Consultant and is a member of the UK Advising and Tutoring Association (UKAT). Her work has significantly influenced practice-based learning approaches across multiple healthcare disciplines at Sheffield Hallam University and beyond.

Helen has developed and implemented practice-based learning frameworks across the Allied Health pre-registration curriculum, with particular focus on simulated placements and the integration of the 4 pillars of practice. She leads research projects evaluating the impact of these innovative approaches on student development and graduate outcomes, contributing to evidence-based improvements in healthcare education.