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After four years as RCOT’s Chief Executive, Steve Ford has decided to retire and will be leaving the organisation in June 2025.

I have been an occupational therapy assistant for more than five years in the community older people’s team in West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership. Before this I was a home carer and then home care organiser for a year while I was waiting to start a full-time nursing course. I’ve...

Commenting on NHS England’s neighbourhood health guidelines 2025/26 , Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Karin Orman, said: ‘The only way to save the NHS is to adopt a more proactive approach providing treatment, care and support for people near...

Last year we shared with you our vision for improving member’s digital experiences over the coming years. Read more about our digital transformation. Exciting improvements coming this Spring This Spring, you’ll receive new member benefits and see improvements to our digital tools, giving you a...

After 10 years, we’re retiring our Occupational therapy in the prevention and management of falls in adults guideline on Friday 31 January 2025 . So much hard work and passion goes into the creation and maintenance of our guidelines but, after 10 years, we expect that practice, context and policy...

People with injuries, disabilities and long-term mental and physical health conditions are waiting for more than three years to see an occupational therapist in Northern Ireland. More than half of those on occupational therapy waiting lists are waiting more than 13 weeks. That’s according to a new...

We released our first-ever Workforce Strategy in March 2024. Our Workforce Strategy sets out our vision for an expanded occupational therapy workforce – positioned to have maximum impact in improving people's health and quality of life. We then published our nation-specific: Workforce Strategy...

Today we’ve signed the Armed Forces Covenant at the head office of the veterans' mental health charity, Combat Stress. It means we’ll ensure that those who serve, or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and with respect in the communities, economy and society...

Are you considering volunteering with us? Amy Howard shares her experiences of how volunteering supported both her career and community. The start of Amy's volunteering journey with RCOT I’ve been an RCOT member throughout my career, starting with a student membership. I’d read the news and journal...

Welcome to the January issue of OTnews!

Commenting on a new report from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) about the state of hospital care , Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Karin Orman, said: ‘The RCN report contains some horrific findings, but for anyone who’s worked in the NHS...

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities has published a four nations, public health impact report , which we have supported and worked on, alongside the Allied Health Professions Federation (AHPF). The report looks at the impact of the five goals set out in the 2019-2024 UK AHP public...

Are you ready to take your professional development to the next level while making a meaningful impact? Open a new chapter of RCOT with us by breaking the barriers to specialist knowledge and regional support. We’re on the lookout for passionate volunteers to help us build dynamic and thriving...

As I write this reflection, I am now coming to the end of my nine-week placement in Primary Care, based in Oban covering various communities across Argyll & Bute. This placement has undoubtedly been one that I will never forget and will remain with me throughout my professional career. Working...

Recently, the Chief Allied Health Officers/Adviser in the four nations released a statement on regulation for advanced practice for allied health professionals (AHPs). Although the Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has approved a proposal to have an additional level of regulation for...

Commenting on today’s announcement about reducing NHS waiting lists through providing more appointments , Professional Advisor for Primary Care at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Genevieve Smyth, said: ‘Ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment is essential for improving patient...

Commenting on the announcement about social care reforms and an independent commission , Policy and Public Affairs Lead for England at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Joseph Brunwin, said: ‘Social care reform is long overdue, and we welcome the independent commission and consultation...

Welcome to the December issue of OTnews!

Congratulations to our members who have received RCOT awards for research or service improvements in 2024! Our Research Foundation supports the development of the evidence-base for occupational therapy and the expansion of research capability and capacity within the profession. It does this by...

Commenting on the Scottish government’s proposed budget, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Scotland at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Katie MacGregor, said: ‘It’s encouraging to see this record investment for health and social care, which the sector has been campaigning on for a...

Commenting on a new government announcement about reforms to and investment in the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system , children and young people’s professional advisor at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Dr Sally Payne, said: ‘The £740m investment to increase the...

A career that’s about creativity and empathy As well as core skills and traits like team working, creative problem solving, communication and empathy, you’ll need a qualification. There are over 45 education providers across the UK running a range of programmes including: Full time undergraduate...

We’ll support your journey every step of the way Although much of what you do will be carried out on a one-to-one basis, a lot of occupational therapy work is collaborative. Specialists often work together to support colleagues and share knowledge more broadly. And if you choose to work...

Diverse challenges, inspiring outcomes Sometimes illness, disability, getting older or even a change in personal living circumstances can make it difficult for people to carry out their normal routines and enjoy their favourite activities. By analysing these activities, drawing on their clinical...

What makes a great occupational therapist? Occupational therapists help people overcome challenges, so they can do the things they want and need to. That takes qualities like empathy, great team working, good communication skills, as well as creative problem-solving. An interest in areas like...

Becoming an occupational therapist Occupational therapy is a profession that attracts people from all walks of life. You might currently be at school or university and thinking about what you want to do next. You might have already decided that you want your future to be about helping others. Or...

A career that will fulfil you Occupational therapy helps you live your best life at home, at work – and everywhere else. It’s about being able to do the things you need, want and have to do. That could mean helping you overcome challenges playing sport, learning at school, going to work or simply...

Diverse skills, a united community We’re the professional body that represents the UK’s occupational therapy professionals, students and apprentices. We’ve championed the profession and the people behind it for over 90 years; and today, we are thriving with over 36,000 members. We’re here to help...

Responding to the Get Britain Working white paper, Policy and Public Affairs Lead at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Joe Brunwin, said: ‘There are so many reasons why someone might not be working, and each person’s journey to employment is unique. The best support that someone looking...

We’ll lift you up to be the best you can be throughout your career – you’ll join the best community, have the best resources and tools to help you succeed. You’ll be connected to our 36,000 members and be supported throughout your career. We’ll provide development opportunities, evidence-based...

Welcome to the November issue of OTnews! This issue features the launch of our new campaign 'The power of occupational therapy - transforming health and social care', which you'll hear more of over the next 12 months.

Commenting on children’s social care reforms announced today, children and young people’s professional advisor at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Dr Sally Payne, said: ‘We welcome the reforms and hope that a focus on early help and prevention will ensure better outcomes for children,...

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our Workforce Survey 2024. By completing our Workforce Survey, you'll help us gather vital data that will make sure we can all advocate for the change that is needed. Take our survey

Best known for her role as Lady Danbury in Bridgerton, actor Adjoa Andoh is open about living with dyspraxia. She realised she had the condition when her eldest daughter, Jesse, was diagnosed as a toddler, in the late 1980s. Here, she shares her experiences and joins our calls for an occupational...

Commenting on the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Autumn Survey 2024 , Head of Practice and Workforce at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Suhailah Mohamed, said: ‘The lack of funding for social care is a huge concern – especially as the situation seems...

We released our first-ever Workforce Strategy in March. Our Workforce Strategy sets out our vision for an expanded occupational therapy workforce – positioned to have maximum impact in improving people's health and quality of life. Earlier this year we published our nation-specific Workforce...

It’s been an exciting year for occupational therapy and RCOT! In March, we launched our first Workforce Strategy and set up a Scotland Advisory Group to develop a Scotland-specific action plan. If you are interested in hearing more about the development of our Workforce Strategy action plan –...

Come and join RCOT at the Occupational Therapy Show, at the NEC Birmingham on 27–28 November 2024. Whether you’re already a member or thinking of joining, come and meet us at stand B41.  Occupational therapy professionals can attend the OT Show for free. At the event, you’ll have access to a CPD...

This year in Occupational Therapy (OT) Week – 4–10 November – the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) will be celebrating the power of occupational therapy in transforming health and social care. The campaign aims to create a better understanding of occupational therapy, its role in...

It’s been a busy few months for the digital team at RCOT as we ramp up the development of our new website. We have a bold vision to transform our member offer and a new website will mean we can better serve and support our growing occupational therapy community. Our website is our shop window into...

In the narrative you’ll find text about occupational therapy in different formats that you can use to help people understand more about what it is, its value and where it needs to be positioned in the future. It’s available as a short script, as prompts to use in a conversation and versions that...

The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) is the official international organisation representing the occupational therapy profession. WFOT set the standards for occupational therapy education internationally and promote excellence in research and practice. WFOT is a global network of...

Next spring, the UK government will publish a 10 Year Health Plan in England. Central to its strategy to fix the health and care system are three shifts: moving more care from hospitals to communities making better use of technology in health and care focussing on preventing sickness, not just...

Commenting on the Chancellor’s announcement to provide more funding for NHS appointments, Policy and Public Affairs Lead at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Joseph Brunwin, said: ‘It’s good news that there will be more funding for NHS appointments and elective services to help reduce...

This is a reduced version of the Workforce Strategy action plan – England. Developing our action plan has been a team effort. We’d like to thank the member volunteers in our Workforce Strategy England Advisory Group who’ve helped to shape it.

When I think of Black History Month, I see it as a commemorative acknowledgement of people, historical events and even my own chronological timeline of achievements. My past and present consciousness allows me to think and imagine future possibilities. This is my reality lens. October 2023: First...

You’re on your way to becoming an occupational therapist! We’re here to support you from the start. We’ll lift you up to be the best you can be while you study and throughout your career. We understand that being a student or apprentice isn’t easy! You’ve got a lot to learn. You’re taking in new...

Every year we have opportunities to recognise or support and strengthen the work our members are doing. Some awards offer funding, to help a member reach their goal, others recognise a career of achievements. All carry prestige. Join us in celebrating our recipients of this year's awards.

We’re delighted to award Dr Carolyn Dunford, Reader in Occupational Therapy at Brunel University of London, an RCOT Fellowship. Carolyn’s dedication to evidence-based and occupation-centred practice, particularly in children’s occupational therapy, has made a significant difference to our...

We’re delighted to award Nicola Spalding, Professor Emeritus at the University of East Anglia and visiting Professor at Birmingham Newman University, an RCOT Fellowship. Nicola’s incredible career and educational excellence are a testament to the power of continuous learning as a way of life. We’re...

In my role as a community occupational therapist in Haringey, an inner London borough, I often collaborated with other community professionals, making referrals for relevant clients requiring each other’s services. It was during many of these joint visits that I became close to Keesha Sinclair, a...

Responding to comments by the Work and Pensions Minister about reforms to the benefits system, Policy and Public Affairs Lead at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Joe Brunwin, said: ‘While we understand the need for financial responsibility, we have concerns about the potential impact...

Welcome to the October issue of OTnews! This month we have guest editors Anna-Marie Dorsett and Kwaku Agyemang on board as this issue’s guest editors for Black History Month.

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in health, social care and society. It enables people to manage their health and care needs and to do the occupations that they want, need and like to do. Occupational therapy is a solution to many of the UK's health and care needs. By helping people manage...

Commenting on the annual State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England report, published by Skills for Care, Head of Practice and Workforce at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Suhailah Mohamed, said: ‘Recruitment can be tricky in all areas of social care, and we must...

We want people everywhere to value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. That’s a big aim, but we can achieve it by working together. As part of the occupational therapy community, there are many ways you can raise the profile of occupational therapy. You’ll find guidance and tools here...

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