Workforce reform 2024 programme
Paving the way for occupational therapy excellence
NHS England has funded our workforce reform 2024 programme, as part of its ongoing education reform priorities for Allied Health Professions (AHPs).
This investment from NHS England’s Workforce Training and Education Directorate supports our efforts to advance occupational therapy (OT) through four areas of work between June 2024 and March 2025.
Future OT marketing strategy
We’re developing a marketing strategy to inspire the future generations of occupational therapists. The strategy will set out how we can take individuals from the early stages of awareness, through to converting interest into university applications. It will look at school students, graduates, career changers and their influencers, as well as underrepresented groups.
Advancing practice: Redefining excellence in occupational therapy
We’re reimagining advancing practice for occupational therapists, in partnership with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Coventry University and the University of Salford.
This initiative aims to apply national frameworks consistently across all OT roles and settings.
Reviewing the Career Development Framework
We'll review the current Career Development Framework with plans to publish a revised edition in 2025/26. After publication, we’ll focus on helping employers and the workforce integrate the new framework into daily practice.
This initiative is in collaboration with The Creative Health Alliance.
Highlighting the value and impact of occupational therapy: real-life stories
To support these transformative efforts, we’re creating engaging content to support our vision for a growing occupational therapy workforce and to highlight the value and impact of occupational therapy.
We'll share real-life stories showing the vital role of occupational therapy in social care and the justice sector. These stories will also help explore and test occupation-centred innovative practices and broaden future occupational therapy practitioners’ understanding of career opportunities in occupational therapy.
Our marketing strategy aims to attract, inform and retain talent in the occupational therapy sector, ensuring our messages reach and resonate with a wide audience.
These initiatives represent a significant effort in workforce reform for occupational therapists. By March 2025, we will have established a strong foundation for future growth, professional excellence and enhanced career pathways within occupational therapy and beyond.