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The first ever Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) CPD week is here and is very well timed for occupational therapists! Emma Grover – Strategic Lead for Professional Development – introduces the six habits you can start building to improve your CPD. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The two-...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Our plans to reimagine communities together and for our members are starting to take shape. Our vision is to build on the successes and strong legacy of our current communities and transition to our new model where all members can find a place to share, learn and network based on their region, area...

The theme of this year’s UK Black History Month is ‘ Reclaiming Narratives ’. This theme marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. It underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies. Join in on social media with #...

We’re excited to announce the launch of three new free e-learning sessions designed for occupational therapists working in perinatal mental health. These sessions focus on occupational therapy approaches to: perinatal mental health, physical health and disability returning to work or study after a...

Savania China, Head of Inclusion and Involvement, gives us six top tips for fostering inclusion – both professionally and personally – this National Inclusion Week. ––––––––––––––––––––– At RCOT, we continue to champion inclusivity, as is outlined in our Equity, Diversity and Belonging (EDB)...

Commenting on the Independent investigation of the NHS in England by Lord Darzi, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Karin Orman, said: ‘While the findings of Lord Darzi’s report are shocking, they’re not surprising for those of us who have worked in...

I previously worked in Taiwan as an Occupational Therapist (OT) for three years on completion of an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy. Later I came to the UK to study for a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation. Upon completion of my Master’s degree, I sought and gained employment as an OT...

In November last year, we published a statement about our role in the world. We acknowledged that some members wanted us to do more in relation to global conflicts and geopolitical events, and we said the Council would discuss and agree on a position. We also asked for your thoughts on the matter...

The world we live and work in is a very changed place from when our Learning and development standards for pre-registration education were last published in 2019 , and will continue to change. It’s important our Standards reflect these changes and support future occupational therapists to be...

To deliver the change required and make our Workforce Strategy vision a reality, we need all our members to feel equipped to take on their role, talk confidently about occupation and the unique role of occupational therapy in health and care. You can reinvigorate your knowledge and understanding of...

Commenting on analysis from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) about changes to GP practices, Genevieve Smyth, Professional Advisor for Primary Care at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: ‘We need a radical rethink of how...

This week we are launching an initiative exclusive to our learners! We want to build stronger connections with our learner community and work with members to raise awareness of our member benefits – supporting the future of our profession from day one. At the heart of this initiative we want to...

We're working to enhance your membership by introducing a range of digital tools and improved experiences. Read more about our transformation plans . As part of this work, we want to improve our website and member portal to: • make it more accessible and user-friendly - so everyone can easily find...

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) will soon be bringing in new changes and updates to the Standards of conduct, performance and ethics , which all OTs will need to be aware of. Updates will come into effect from Sunday 1 September 2024 . HCPC regularly reviews the Standards of conduct...

This is your opportunity to shape how occupational therapy placements are delivered in the future. We’re opening a practice-based learning capacity and quality survey and we want to hear from you and understand your experience of OT training to understand the enablers and barriers for those joining...

The violent and racist riots we have witnessed in towns and cities across the UK over recent days are deplorable. We condemn those seeking to sow division and violence in our society. Hatred in all its forms, has no place in modern Britain, and we stand together with all our staff, members and...

Commenting on the announcement of the proposed recruitment of 1,000 more GPs this year, Suhailah Mohamed, Head of Practice and Workforce at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: ‘Having more GPs will mean that patients can be referred to the services that can help them, such as...

Commenting on the King’s Fund report out today - The reality of, and potential for, digitally enabled care in the community – Head of Practice and Workforce at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Suhailah Mohamed, said: ‘We can't do our jobs without technology. The way we use technology...

Do you know an occupational therapist who has made or is making a significant contribution to our profession? If you do, we want to hear from you. Celebrate their achievements by nominating them to give our 2025 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture . Our Lecture is an opportunity for the chosen...

When our minds are focused on financial concerns, we often can’t bring our best work to the people we’re supporting and offer the same impact. We can’t solve the UK’s financial predicament, but we want to support our professional members as best we can. What is the hardship fund? We have set aside...

By Joe Brunwin, Policy and Public Affairs Lead - England Throughout July, we’ve explored the potential impact of a Labour government on occupational therapy. With Parliament now in summer recess, let’s delve into the main things that could affect our profession on employment rights and work. Prime...

In response to the Account Commission briefing about Scotland’s Integration Joint Boards (IJBs), Katie MacGregor, Policy and Public Affairs Lead – Scotland, at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: ‘It’s really concerning, yet not surprising, to read the figures published in this...

Commenting on an independent review looking at the effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Karin Orman, said: ‘This review of the Single Assessment Framework raises several concerns for those working in...

For Disability Pride Month 2024, Georgia Vine reflects on a lifetime of living in an ableist society. She urges us all to recognise what systemic ableism means and to think about how as individuals and collectively we can act as an ally by doing something about it, big or small.

Welcome to the July issue of OTnews! We're excited to bring you highlights from RCOT’s Annual Conference, held virtually in June.

Throughout July, we’re looking at what the incoming Labour government might mean for occupational therapy. This week, the King’s Speech took place. This is where the government set out more of their plans for the next year. We learnt a little more about planning reform, and what the government will...

South Asian Heritage Month began in 2020 and runs from 18 July – 17 August each year. The month helps us focus on understanding the diverse heritage, communities and cultures that link the UK with South Asia. You can learn more about South Asian Heritage Month at southasianheritage.org.uk Our...

Commenting on the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services ( ADASS) Spring Survey 2024 , RCOT Director of Practice and Innovation, Karin Orman, said: ‘The survey highlights serious concerns about the integration and funding of the NHS and social care. Not providing enough funding to social...

It’s been a week since the Labour Party formed a government after the UK general election. Before MPs begin their summer recess at the end of July, the incoming Labour government is poised to quickly establish its agenda. This month I’ll be sharing what the incoming government will do across a...

It’s my six-month work anniversary at RCOT. In this time, I’ve met with members from across Scotland and a wide range of settings – including prisons, acute in-patient wards, GP practices, housing, community rehabilitation services, oncology services and more. The Scottish Parliament’s Health and...

Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: ‘The new UK Government must prioritise the integration of occupational therapists into community settings to address pressing health and social care challenges. An occupational therapy workforce...

Do you believe your research will advance knowledge in research, practice, education and policy in occupational therapy? Are you ready to share it with your peers, but unsure how or where to get it published? Why not consider publishing with the British Journal of Occupational Therapy ? We're...

Jo Baker (she/her) and Gen Smyth (she/her) are colleague network leads at RCOT. Jo leads the LGBTQIA+ Colleague Network and Gen leads the Disability and Menopause Colleague Networks. They’ve taken some time to reflect on the intersecting challenges between LGBTQIA+ and disabled experiences and what...

What is Disability Pride Month? July is Disability Pride Month. It’s a month to celebrate each person’s uniqueness and open up conversations around stigma, discrimination and the contributions of disabled people. We continue to work hard as an organisation, and as part of the wider occupational...

All funds have now been allocated for the Innovation Seed Fund, so we’re unable to accept any more applications. £5,000 has been awarded to help fund activities, giving a boost to change projects in occupational therapy and progressing projects for the innovators who have applied. We are extremely...

At our Annual General Meeting held online on 27 June, we announced the results of the BAOT Council elections as voted for by the membership. Please join us in congratulating and welcoming: Neil Carnegie who joins us as Council Member, Scotland Aisling Durkin - who joins us as Council Member,...

This issue celebrates our LGBTQIA+ members, colleagues and our volunteer members.

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. To deliver our Workforce Strategy, we also released an action plan...

One in six (17%) people in the UK aged 18 and over would be put off voting because of their physical or mental health – equivalent to over 9 million people. And one in 14 (7%) would be put off by not having the right ID to vote. That’s according to a survey by the Royal College of Occupational...

Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: ‘We need more occupational therapists providing care in the community. We welcome Labour’s commitments to reform the NHS to be more community-based, including the idea of Neighbourhood Health...

Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: ‘Occupational therapists should be seen as a key part of the solution to reduce NHS waiting lists and get more people into work, or help them stay in work. ‘Occupational therapists help people of...

Karin Orman, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: ‘Occupational therapists are the cornerstone of England’s social care system. They play a paramount role in preventing, reducing and delaying the need for statutory services and meeting the...

Rob Workman was recently invited to participate in the ‘ Ours to Tell ’ project with Amgueddfa Cymru. For Pride Month, Rob has written a blog that explores the intersectionality between his identities as a gay man and as an occupational therapist. We are grateful for Rob's reflection. If you'd like...

Key points in this briefing Occupational therapists (OTs) help people overcome challenges when completing everyday tasks or activities. Occupational therapy is the solution to many of the UK’s health and care needs. It can help get waiting lists down and relieve pressure on acute services by:...

On Tuesday 7 May 2024 , we met with key decision-makers in government, NHS England and other organisations to discuss how to realise our ambitions for the occupational therapy workforce. The roundtable event brought together people with real influence in the health, social care and education...

Thomas Williams – an occupational therapist with Swansea Bay University Health Board – will be part of the panel for What will Occupational therapy look like in 2035? at our Annual Conference. Thomas has reflected on his role on the panel, the future of occupational therapy and what he hopes to...

Savania (Sav) China – our Head of Inclusion and Involvement – has spent many years thinking, writing and talking about Equity, Diversity and Belonging (EDB). He has written on and takes a great interest in corporate social responsibility and social and environmental justice. As our Head of...

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