Member resources

All RCOT members must be registered with HCPC – the regulator of health and care professionals in the UK.
A bi-annual audit of registered occupational therapists is conducted on the basis of a random 2.5% sample. The selection/audit process is outlined on the HCPC website. More information can be found at The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) | (hcpc-uk.org).
 

As an introduction we recommend joining:

• Self-Employment and HMRC - what you need to know
• Business Expenses for the self-employed
• Capital Allowances for the self-employed
• Self-Employment and your online Tax return

More information about HMRC webinars

Guidance and support is available on the HMRC website.

•  Help and support if you’re self-employed - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
•  Kick Off in Business – business start-up and self employment online courses - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Value Added Tax (VAT) Notice 701 / 57 Health Professionals

Guidance and support is available online:

• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/off-payroll-working-in-the-public-sector-reform-of-intermediaries-legislation

New GDPR Regulations came into effect on 25 May 2018. As independent business/sole trader, you may need to take advice on how to implement these new regulations. 

If you have not already done so, you should check if you need to register with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). For most organisations/businesses this will cost £35. 

A good starting point for GDPR is to look at the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) website at Home | ICO.

The Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) have merged to become the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The DBS scheme is in place to safeguard vulnerable adults and children. 

HCPC make it clear that there is no legal requirement for occupational therapists to have a DBS check, but you can obtain an enhanced check to demonstrate your good practice and governance. Self-employed individuals may find it difficult to apply for a criminal record check and disclosure, instead the following options are available:

• to register with an agency that can submit a request for a DBS check on your behalf
• to apply for a basic check which will provide details of any unspent convictions
• to make a subject access request under the Data Protection Act to your local police force to find details of any criminal record 

You can use an umbrella body to access a DBS check on behalf of a business. 
More information is available at Disclosure and Barring Service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)