About Specialist Sections
Specialist Sections are branches of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) that provide professional direction and leadership for occupational therapists working in specialist areas of practice. They share information, network and promote good practice.
Get involved
Join the National Executive Committee for your Specialist Section to support your CPD, increase your knowledge, share and develop your practice and network with like-minded colleagues.
Vacancies vary across all the Specialist Section committees. If you would like to find out more about the roles and get involved, please visit their respective pages or contact communities@rcot.co.uk.
Aims of the Specialist Sections
- Raise awareness and promote the development of knowledge and skills.
- Promote and enable Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and networking.
- Promote research and support the use of evidence to inform practice.
- Support members within their area of practice.
- Function as a resource to provide expertise at national a level.
- Act as advisors and influencers for and on behalf of the profession and the RCOT.
Why join a Specialist Section?
- Gain access to a UK-wide network of occupational therapists working in your specialist area and opportunities to meet like-minded people.
- Obtain expert professional knowledge and resources to support you in practice.
- Receive up-to-date news via newsletters, social media and their website pages.
- Attend free learning events and study days for professional development and benefit from a reduced member rate for conference.
- Access grants for research, professional development and events.
- Get information and advice from free publications dedicated to your area of practice, including briefings, evidence-based guidelines, advice, best practice information and research.
- Participate in the Specialist Sections clinical forums, which are dedicated, speciality sub-groups providing support, networking, clinical leadership and lobbying.
- Get involved with policy, practice, strategy, briefings, develop practice guidelines and leadership skills.
You can join a Specialist Section within the ‘manage your account’ section of the website under ‘my Specialist Sections’. Any queries regarding your Specialist Section membership should be sent to membership@rcot.co.uk. You can also read our frequently asked questions below.
Follow your Specialist Section on Twitter for more information and resources.
Specialist Section - Children, Young People and Families: @RCOT_CYPF
Specialist Section - Housing @RCOT_Housing
Specialist Section - Independent Practice @RCOT_IP
Specialist Section - Major Health Conditions @RCOTMajorHealth
Specialist Section - Mental Health @RCOT_MH
Specialist Section - Neurological Practice @RCOT_NP
Specialist Section - Older People @RCOT_OP
Specialist Section - People with Learning Disabilities @RCOT_PLD
Specialist Section - Trauma and Musculoskeletal Health @RCOT_TMH
Specialist Section - Work @RCOT_Work