Introductions from Odeth and Steve
An introduction from Odeth Richardson
Occupational therapy is the solution to many of the UK’s health and care needs. Its unique focus empowers people to do what they want and need to do to live fulfilling lives, aligning perfectly with the public health shift towards personalisation and prevention.
As a key driver of integrated care systems, occupational therapy demonstrably delivers better outcomes, reducing strain on healthcare resources and creating a more sustainable system for all.
Those of us working in the profession know its potential – but staff shortages and lack of investment are stopping us from providing our services in the places where it would be most effective and reach more people at the right time.
I welcome the launch of RCOT’s Workforce Strategy. Recognising the need for a more efficient and effective health and social care system, this strategy outlines where we can help reform health and social care services using the life-changing power of occupational therapy.
Our strategy is member-driven! Through open communication with members, volunteers, staff, and stakeholders, we've identified surging demand for occupational therapy since the pandemic, and the exciting opportunities this presents for the profession.
This insight has empowered us to prioritise our efforts effectively and move positively towards 2035, when we will have an expanded occupational therapy workforce positioned to have maximum impact in improving people’s lives.
As we progress through our action plan, we’ll support the development of occupational therapists and support workers, especially those from under-represented communities, throughout their careers.
We will build the profession's capacity for leadership, learning, research, and innovation. This will improve retention, career progression and satisfaction, and lead to better-informed workforce positioning and planning.
With this strategy our occupational therapy workforce will become a powerful movement – boldly negotiating where we should be positioned to have the maximum impact for the UK’s communities, armed with robust evidence about what occupational therapy brings to health and social care.
Odeth Richardson
BAOT/RCOT Chair of Council
An introduction from Steve Ford
Occupational therapists are changing lives and shaping healthier, more inclusive communities – I see it every day. Their work is nothing short of essential.
Yet too many people who would benefit from occupational therapy services don't receive them. This workforce strategy is about fixing that. It's about making sure everyone who needs the support of an occupational therapist can access those vital services.
By 2035, we’ll have a much larger occupational therapy workforce making life-changing impact on people's health and wellbeing. We’ll focus on working directly with local communities, making sure everyone can easily access occupational therapy.
By prioritising prevention and early intervention, occupational therapists help people manage their health and reduce the need for crisis interventions and care services. Putting occupations at the forefront, they will empower people to take part in activities they value and contribute to society.
We’re tackling the key challenges that members and stakeholders have told us about and seizing the opportunities available to us as a profession. We recognise the need for a strong and adaptable occupational therapy workforce to keep up with the changing population of the UK.
We’re committed to building a strong body of evidence, by collecting reliable data and examples from our members that showcase the value and impact of occupational therapy.
With this evidence, we’ll create a robust case for occupational therapy and be better positioned to advocate for change, campaigning in three key areas – primary care, community rehabilitation and schools.
We’ll also address job satisfaction and actively support career progression and development within the profession, encouraging a thriving and dedicated workforce, with occupational therapists in influential leadership roles.
This journey towards a brighter future needs collaboration. We invite you, our members, partners, and stakeholders, to join us as we work to make sure that occupational therapy continues to play a vital role in the UK's health and wellbeing.
Steve Ford
RCOT Chief Executive.