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Through our  Innovation Hub  we aim to create an environment where occupational therapists can learn from each other and share and access a database of real-world service innovation evidence, all with project support. The fund aims to progress activities that develop your occupational therapy...

If you have a marketing-related question, hopefully you’ll find your answer here. If not, please feel free to contact us directly via marketing@rcot.co.uk .

Whether you're a seasoned OT professional looking to stay ahead of the curve or a newcomer eager to explore the benefits of RCOT membership, our “maximise your membership” series caters to all levels of experience and expertise. Unlock the full potential of your RCOT membership with access to...

Commenting on the UK Prime Minister's announcement about welfare reforms and the use of fit notes, RCOT Head of Practice and Workforce, Suhailah Mohamed, said: 'Fit notes are a key tool used by occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals to help people stay in work or return to work...

Has one of your students completed an outstanding research project? You can now nominate them for our Early Researcher Prize where they will receive: £50 worth of book tokens national recognition via RCOT platforms. Show your students how much you value their work – download the short nomination...

Being a learner can be tough! Not only are you taking in new ideas and building your network but there are also finances, finding placements and considering your direction of travel. Take the time to explore our website and look out for new resources and opportunities. Welcome to new learners In...

This section is to help you find learning resources and opportunities to support your studies. Our website is regularly updated with opportunities to get involved and amazing resources. Please take the time to explore. You may find it helpful to regularly check: news events Highlight (our monthly...

Occupational therapy is an inspirational area of work, with opportunities to develop new skills, specialise in interesting areas and solve complex problems every single day. There’s no single path to becoming an occupational therapist (OT) so we’ve brought together the resources that will support...

As an OT learner, student or apprentice, someone looking at joining our profession or someone who delivers OT education, you deserve the best experience possible, with access to resources that benefit you. To support you, we work alongside learners, educators, HEIs, employers and other stakeholders...

Welcome to the latest edition of OTnews! In this issue we dive into RCOT’s Workforce Strategy, our Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture and the celebration of environment and sustainability, among other features.

As part of the continued commitment to support the NHS reaching net zero carbon emissions, and to coincide with #EarthDay (22 April), the Greener Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) are launching Greener AHP week (22–26 April) for the second year.

Have you checked your spam and junk folders? Sometimes password resets go there instead of your inbox.

The Health & Care Professions Council have launched a consultation on proposed changes to the fees they charge registrants and applicants. They are proposing a 6% increase on the current fee which means if approved, the new annual registration fee will be £123.34 and would come into effect from 2025 to 2027.

Commenting on research by the University of Bath which found almost half of NHS workers have looked for jobs outside of the health service, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, Karin Orman, said: 'The NHS desperately needs major reform, and health and...

The core principle of RCOT Communities is to facilitate connections and collaborations that support continuous learning, innovation and exchange of knowledge. By joining RCOT Communities, you agree to support, promote and uphold this core principle when you post, share, upload and comment on...

Being reported or self-reporting to the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for a Fitness to Practice (FTP) issue can be a very stressful and anxiety-provoking experience. If this has happened to you, we want you to know that you’re not alone, and we’ll support you Support From RCOT The...

This month, we have features focusing on World Sleep Day, Endometriosis Action Month and assistive technology and inclusive design:

Over the coming years Council will consider how we can strengthen our governance by looking at: our legal structure compliance with charity, trade union and company law, regulation and good practice how Council can get the expertise it needs to govern all the key aspects of the organisation...

Commenting on Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride’s comments about ‘mental health culture’, RCOT Head of Practice and Workforce, Suhailah Mohammed, said: ‘We need to be careful not to downplay mental health. Just as with physical health, people experience mental health problems in different...

Our first ever Workforce Strategy launches today. You can read the strategy today by visiting rcot.co.uk/workforce-strategy It creates a path towards our vision for an expanded occupational therapy workforce – positioned to have maximum impact in improving people’s health and quality of life by...

More occupational therapists placed in community settings, rather than hospitals, will prevent people from developing health crises, help them get support for existing health needs sooner, and reduce pressure on A&E and GP services. Community settings include GP practices, schools, social...

Why did you create this Workforce Strategy? Many parts of our health and care systems are in crisis, with waiting times at their worst ever. The OT workforce is also in crisis with some systems naming us as an ‘at risk profession’ and many practitioners reporting a crisis in professional identity...

Here are some definitions of some of the common terms used when talking about governance. If there is a term you don’t know that’s not included here,  let us know . 

We’ve answered some questions here.  If you have a questions that isn’t covered here contact us at governance@rcot.co.uk

Alongside sharing information with members about the proposed changes being put forward to strengthen our governance this year, there will be opportunities where members can meet with Trustees to discuss the proposals and ask questions. We'll share details of these informal drop-in sessions here...

Governance is a framework for managing organisations. It guides operations and administration, ethics, risk management and compliance with relevant legislation and regulation. Find our more about different governance terms. Our governance structure today Our governance is more complex than some...

We want you to be part of shaping and driving the future of the occupational therapy profession. We're excited to announce a new approach offering a wider range of opportunities for members to get involved in a way that works best for you. Why change? We recognise the limitations of the current...

Our plan is to launch a new Research and Innovation Strategy in Spring 2025. We’re bringing together our previously separate strategies for both research and development, and data and innovation to demonstrate how these complement each other to drive our profession forward and build growth...

Academic workforce refers to occupational therapists teaching and/or engaged in research at a higher education institute. Community services refers to services offered in people’s home environment or within community facilities, clinics and schools. The services may be provided by the NHS, social...

We’re proud to share our Workforce Strategy 2024–2035. Through this strategy we’ll present and apply real-world and academic evidence to emphasise how extra investment in the occupational therapy workforce will help resolve the challenges that our systems are facing. This strategy is based on the...

BBC. BBC Briefing: Housing. [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2023 Aug 11] Bolt M, Ikking T, Baaijen R, Saenger S. Scoping review: occupational therapy interventions in primary care. Primary Health Care Research & Development. Cambridge University Press; 2019;20:e28 Bosche I, Isden R. Adult social care...

Professor Sheila the Baroness Hollins was appointed as RCOT President in 2015; a role that she initially only intended to fill for three years.

Professor Sheila the Baroness Hollins was appointed as RCOT President in 2015. Over her tenure Baroness Hollins has supported us with various campaigns and reports, including our Living not Existing report and Improving Lives, Saving Money campaign. 

As winter turns to spring and the nights get shorter and lighter, some people might find it harder to get to sleep – or back to sleep – at night. This World Sleep Day, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) has compiled expert advice from some of its members for getting a better night’...

Commenting on the King’s Fund Social Care 360 report calling for increased funding and stability for the social care sector, RCOT Director of Practice and Innovation, Karin Orman, said: ‘This report echoes what we’ve been hearing from our members. Occupational therapists and support workers help...

Our workforce vision Our vision is for an expanded occupational therapy workforce – positioned to have maximum impact in improving people's health and quality of life. By 2035 we will have an occupational therapy workforce that is: confident and skilled in championing inclusion and advocating for...

Where occupational therapy is today The occupational therapy profession is experiencing a crisis. Parts of the south east of England and London are reporting up to 40% vacancy rates and higher in specific services. This is down to a wide range of factors, including fewer recently registered...

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...

Our strategy has been informed by the occupational therapy workforce across the UK, including our members, staff and stakeholders such as the Executive Director of World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT), Chief Allied Health Professions Officers/Adviser, AHP national and regional leads...

We’ve developed a range of resources to help occupational therapists deliver best practice for children, young people and families. Whilst these were written for occupational therapists – commissioners, managers of children’s OT services and others may also find them useful.

We’ve developed a range of resources to support the design and delivery of high-quality occupational therapy services for children, young people and families. Key components A high-quality occupational therapy service for children and young people would be one in which: Occupation and participation...

What we know One in five young people aged 8 to 25 in England has a probable mental health condition . Nearly three quarters also have a physical health condition or a developmental problem . Research shows that the mental health needs of children and young people with additional learning or...

One in seven babies born in the UK are admitted to a neonatal unit each year because they were born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or were unwell when born at full term. The number of occupational therapists working in neonatal services is small but growing –recognising our critical role in...

Children and young people with additional learning or special educational needs and disabilities are waiting too long to access help to fulfil their potential and take part in the activities – occupations – they want and need to do at school. In numbers Over 1.5 million pupils i n England have...

Good quality referrals are key to helping children and young people access the occupational therapy they need – when they need it. They also help us use resources efficiently by putting services and support where they are needed most. Good quality referrals mean: A young person’s needs can be...

To achieve this at a local level, we need to: Ensure every school has access to occupational therapy knowledge and expertise. Broaden our offer of universal and targeted support to prevent children and young people’s needs from escalating, whilst offering individualised input for children with the...

Children and young people represent a third of the UK population. 11% have some form of disability, and the number of young people with special educational needs is increasing year on year. Health and care inequalities are widening , and health, education and social outcomes are worsening for...

Early-bird discount code: Krakow24

Sleep is an essential part of physical and mental wellbeing. Sleeping well benefits your mood, concentration and weight. It can help reduce stress and your chances of getting ill. Sleep problems can be caused by an overstimulated body and mind. Stress, lifestyle changes, work pressures, health...

Shape how services are delivered and use the NHS England Intermediate Care Framework (ICF) to help you support people following discharge from acute hospital admissions. Published in September 2023, the ICF is a good practice guidance for integrated care Boards. It builds on the work of discharge...

This month, three awareness events are taking place in the UK, which are central to our profession. Discover more about this month's featured topics by reading our February issue online.

Are you interested in getting involved with the governing of BAOT and RCOT, or know someone who'd be great at it? Our Council has seven positions open for nominations – Chair, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Industrial Relations, Learning and Development and International Affairs (WFOT). Being...

Commenting on the King’s Fund's ' Making care closer to home a reality ' report about refocusing primary and community care services, Director of Practice and Innovation, Karin Orman, said: ‘Primary and community care services are the backbone of our health and social care system. When they’re...

Annual Conference FAQs What are the dates for the 2024 Annual Conference? Annual Conference 2024 is being held over two days on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 June 2024. What if I cannot make the conference dates? With your ticket you can catch up on any content until Friday 20 December 2024 . Feel...

Corporate Sponsorship and Engagement Opportunities Thought leadership, expertise, products and services We invite companies and organisations to showcase their thought leadership, expertise, products and services by supporting the UK’s flagship occupational therapy Annual Conference every year...

We are pleased to welcome sponsors every year to ensure that our Annual Conference remains the flagship event for occupational therapy. As the leading membership organisation for our profession, we’ve tailored this event to look at what’s important to OTs today. The chosen themes and wider content...

Secure your on demand ticket to our Annual Conference platform – access 60+ hours of CPD Watch seven plenary talks and learn more about the themes, subjects and speakers that interest you. With your ticket, you'll have until the end of December 2024 to explore the platform and all the resources...

Our call for papers for 2024 is now closed. Our call for papers and other content submissions are now closed. Our huge thanks to all those who put forward their work. The submissions are currently being reviewed and will be announced with the programme. We’ll support successful applicants with...

Our Annual Conference programme will be built around four themes – voted for by our members – ensuring Annual Conference is always led by what’s important to our community. The themes for Annual Conference 2024 are:

Almost half (47%) of people aged 18 and over in the UK say their sex life has at some point been affected by illness, injury, a health condition or disability. And around two in five (41%) say health problems have affected their relationship. That’s according to a new survey by the Royal College of...

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, visited Plumptre Hall in Eastwood on the afternoon of Tuesday 6 February to learn about ‘invaluable’ new services from mental health occupational therapists who help residents improve their mental health. Her Royal Highness is the Patron of the Royal College...

We’re bringing together our previously separate strategies for both research and data and innovation, highlighting how these areas should complement each other to drive our profession forward and build growth opportunities for you. Bringing OT practitioners and researchers together is the aim – to...

Happy National Apprenticeship Week! We caught up with Helen Smith, a newly qualified occupational therapist who completed an apprenticeship with Coventry University last summer.

Commenting on a new report from the Centre for Young Lives and Child of the North, which found that children are struggling without support while waiting for autism assessments, Dr Sally Payne, RCOT children and young people’s adviser, said: ‘This is exactly what we’ve been warning about. A lack of...

Do you or your partner have a long-term illness, health condition, injury or disability that's affecting your relationship and intimacy? Almost half of people 18 and over in the UK say their sex life has at some point been affected by illness, a health condition, injury or disability. Read our...

As Stormont returns to power-sharing, we are calling on the Northern Ireland Assembly to address critical workforce priorities. This will enhance occupational therapy delivery across Northern Ireland. To deliver on the Health and Wellbeing 2026 strategy our key priorities in Northern Ireland are:...

We’re working on improving our website and member portal and would love your support. Starting today and running until the beginning of March, you may notice some prompts appearing on our website inviting you to take part in a card sorting exercise. Card sorting, a user experience research method,...

Have you read our Equity, Diversity and Belonging (EDB) Strategy which we launched in November 2023? You can now dive right into our EDB Strategy action plan and find out what we’ve got planned over the next three years.

As occupational therapists, we help children and young people develop, achieve and enjoy everyday life. We understand the importance of making meaningful connections and getting the balance of activities right. We've created activities you can do to support your child's mental health and wellbeing...

Join your profession as we come together on Wednesday 12–Thursday 13 June 2024 for 2024’s Annual Conference – #RCOT2024 . Thank you to all the members who told us what areas will matter most to our community over the next year. If you have a piece of research or idea you want to contribute to #...

Driving is a great way to be independent, enabling us to connect with other people, take part in social events, or travel to work. But for people with mobility issues, there can be times when it's a challenge to get into, or out of, a car. If someone has mobility issues - perhaps an older person...

Welcome to our first issue of the year! In this edition, we focus on the impact RCOT has made in the past 12 months and provide insights into key projects for the year ahead.

We have joined more than a 110 charities and parent groups in coming together to campaign for better support for disabled children and their families. The Disabled Children's Partnership (DCP) Manifesto has already been shown informally to MPs and policy developers in meetings since party...

2 February updated message Through our BAOT steward democratic structures we will be rejecting the separate pay arrangement for nurses in the Government’s consultation on the introduction of a separate pay spine for nurses in England. To clearly represent our members' views in the consultation, we’...

The last issue of OTnews for 2023 has some exciting news from RCOT. We've introduced a special four-page feature discussing the importance of our EDB Strategy in realising RCOT's vision by 2027, emphasising equity and social justice. This feature showcases insights from members involved in its development and how it's motivating action.

In the November issue of OTnews , our newly co-opted EDB Representative, Thomas, summarised his attendance at an event about the next steps for the Welsh Government’s LGBTQ+ Action Plan for Wales . The action plan sets out the Welsh Government’s aims to make Wales the most LGBTQ+ friendly nation in...

Intellectually disabled people who are a vulnerable and marginalised group, often experience limited affordable, appropriate housing, which has led to inappropriate and unsafe housing choices (Casson, et al., 2021). They may also have complex needs such as over-sensitivity to environmental stimulus...

In April 2022 I was delighted to be awarded a research, innovation and practice development award from SS – People with Learning Disabilities. I was keen to give occupational therapy students an opportunity to participate in a combined clinical and research placement, but work pressures meant I was...

2024 events and registrations Our regional contacts are back into the swing of hosting face-to-face events! So please keep a look out for dates/details in our newsletter and on our TeamUp events calendar. But also, be aware that these events are sometimes organised at short notice, so join our...

All SSIP members who have been a member for at least one year are welcome to apply: Applications open 1 January 2024; close 30 April 2024 Announcement of winners July 2024 Projects commence July 2024; finish September 2025 The awards can be used: To try out something new to further develop IP. To...

I attended the Learning Disability Professional Senate on 4 December. There are some new resources developed by the Senate that might be of interest to you. The ‘What If’ padlet has been developed to give information for the options available if you are worried about a person with a learning...

The Wales Region Committee is part of your local OT community here to help our members find support, networking, development, learning and funding opportunities. The committee is made up of volunteers from across Wales from a range of diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, interests and localities...

Individuals with dementia and postural care needs are at risk of developing fixed postures, increasing their risk of pressure injury, contractures and pain. This can lead to challenges in delivering care, unnecessary hospital admission and can reduce dignity and quality of life. As the brain dies,...

On 17 October 2023, I was very privileged to be invited to the RCOT Celebration of Excellence in Occupational Therapy, along with a colleague. We had been invited as I had been successful in gaining the Constance Owens Liverpool Award for Service Development 2022-3 and my colleague, Hannah Henson,...

RCOT regional business plans are developed using four key aims to ensure a focus on activities to which positively impact the occupational therapy profession. RCOT strategy aims; Rise Up – We will rise up to be bold, progressive advocates and champions – raising our profile and voice so that more...

In September 2023 we reported the findings of our survey of children and young people’s occupational therapists working in the UK.

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