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The UK population is diverse. Occupational therapists work every day with people of different race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, class and ability. But as a profession, we’ve historically lacked diversity. Occupational therapists, learners, the people who receive our services and our...

Our members’ voices are at the heart of this strategy, which sets out our priorities and will inform our action plan for 2024–2027. The strategy was co-created by members, staff and public contributors with direct experience of, or insights into, the discrimination and disadvantages faced by...

Can I get accessible versions of the strategy? The strategy is available in a variety of accessible formats . As well as designed accessible PDFs in English and Welsh, there is a plain and large font PDF and easy read PDF. You can also listen to the strategy on audio. If you need more support or a...

We asked our members, staff and stakeholders for feedback on the draft EDB strategy in July and August 2023. We received over 1,500 responses to the survey and additional feedback through five focus groups. Enventure, our research partner, managed this process, analysed the feedback and produced a...

Our equity, diversity and belonging vision This is what we’re working towards: By 2027, RCOT will be recognised as a bold, progressive advocate of equity and social justice. We put equity, diversity and belonging at the heart of everything we do. We actively oppose discrimination, demonstrate...

Do you find it challenging to stay on top of recording your continuing professional development (CPD) and making sure you meet the HCPC standards? We’ve teamed up with CPDme to give you access to an online platform and app designed to make CPD recording easy and accessible. You can now record your...

Get a sneak peek at the issues covered in this month's OTnews.

Becky Ferris, a Masters student at the University of Plymouth shares her experience.

In October, one of our Professional Advisers, Pete Vesey, was invited to represent us at this year’s British Association of Hand Therapists’ (BAHT) conference . Pete got to rub shoulders with colleagues from the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare and Greener NHS whilst he was there. Pete leads our...

Are you thinking of find out more about our region committee? Being part of the committee is a fantastic way to build your network in the region, develop your CPD and link in with the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. You do not have to be experienced to express an interest in a position as...

Commenting on the appointment of Victoria Atkins MP as the new health and social care secretary, Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Benjamin Powick, said: ‘It is a concern that there is not only a lack of stability and consistency in the...

Commenting on the annual report from the Chief Medical Officer, ‘ Health in an ageing society ’, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Karin Orman, said: ‘The Chief Medical Officer’s focus on prioritising and enhancing quality of life is...

Commenting on new data from NHS England showing that waiting lists and emergency care demand have reached record highs, Head of Practice and Workforce at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Suhailah Mohamed, said: ‘This is the result of too many short-term decisions and not enough...

This year in Occupational Therapy (OT) Week – 6–12 November – the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) will be celebrating the meaning of occupations in the context of occupational therapy. The campaign aims to create a better understanding of occupations, to help people everywhere value...

Eleven occupational therapists from a broad range of experience and careers stages will be sharing experiences and their advice for helping more people to understand what occupations are and to owning it as your superpower. OTnews article For the first time, we’re sharing this OTnews with you...

Meet us at the Occupational Therapy Show at the NEC Birmingham on 23–24 November 2023.

You may have seen our previous news stories announcing our collaboration with nine other professional bodies and the imminent release of the updated principles of practice-based learning. We’re delighted to announce that – since first introducing the principles of practice-based learning in October...

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...

What made you decide to go independent? I was introduced to occupational therapy by an independent practitioner with their own business and so have always known, even before undertaking my studies, that I wanted to be a part of the world of independent practice. The limitations of state services,...

I graduated as an occupational therapist in 2003/4, from the Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa). I then went on to obtain a PgCert in Neuro Rehabilitation from Coventry University; and then a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Regenesys Business School. I am what one...

The webinar was chaired by Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Chair of Wellbeing for Women and Women’s Health Ambassador to England. Four panel members joined her; Dr Richard Caddis, Victoria McKenzie-Gould, Sarah Moore and Heather Palmer who hold various senior roles for Marks and Spencer (M&S), PWC...

Many thanks for raising your concerns regarding occupational therapists administering vaccinations. The RCOTSS Work National Executive Committee has discussed this issue, and we have agreed to the following response in support of your situation: The Royal College of Occupational Therapists National...

We’ve heard from a few members about the very distressing situation in Israel and Gaza and our upcoming OT Week campaign , ‘Occupation matters’. The concerns raised are primarily about the campaign’s title and the meaning of the word ‘occupation’ in its geo-political sense, and whether it’s...

NHS England's (NHSE) Digital Academy for Health and Care have commissioned the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) to develop a learning resource which introduces allied health professionals (AHPs) to health informatics. The resource will be online, interactive and demonstrate how technology...

In response to the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, Steve Ford, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, said: ‘Like many of our members I am deeply concerned at the continuing devastating situation in Israel and Gaza, where thousands of innocent people have lost their...

Eden Samuels-Coke shares with us how reading Black literature can be a means of connecting with Black identity, history and consciousness.

Commenting on new NICE recommendations that the amount of rehabilitation time offered to people who have had a stroke needs to increase, Head of Practice and Workforce at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Suhailah Mohamed, said: ‘Rehabilitation is essential after a stroke and can...

When students reach the end of a course, they feel a deep sense of relief having completed all their assignments, and then await their results. One such former student is 29-year-old Ebenezer Baiden from Leeds, Yorkshire. Here is his story.

We’ve spoken to occupational therapy leaders from Scotland and Wales who’ve developed universal coverage for primary care occupational therapy in their health boards. We asked about their challenges, successes and how you can have influence to apply this locally and nationally. We spoke to: Shonaid...

We hope that sharing these action examples will help you see the value of occupational therapists in primary care. Some include short films or articles by occupational therapists giving their key learning. The examples were independently peer reviewed and presented at our national conference in...

It's National Recycle Week! The NHS makes up 4% of the UK’s total carbon footprint with the NHS’ supply chain accounting for 66% of the NHS' overall carbon emissions. Within the supply chain, medical equipment and devices account for 13% of the NHS carbon emissions and walking aids are on the list...

We’ve collected information about research into primary care occupational therapy. It includes projects we’ve carried out like a survey and a study about the impact of occupational therapy for older adults. You can find articles and books in the resources section.

Here are resources from around the UK about occupational therapy in primary care. They include news, films, posters, podcasts, and reports. You can access it by country but read widely; there is some great work out there!

It’s a day to understand, recognise and celebrate the fundamental role AHPs have in transforming health, care and wellbeing for patients and citizens. Suzanne Rastrick, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer for NHS England Our profession often sees us working with other AHPs to deliver the...

This brochure highlights the amazing work of our winners this year, and gives us all a chance to reflect on the power of occupational therapy. As part of our commitment to sustainability , we have taken a digital-first approach to our brochure this year and have placed it here to download. We hope...

Sarah Selina Macmillean reflects on a deeply moving guest lecturing experience at Leeds Beckett University, and how it encouraged her to share some personal experiences with the students.

The narrative explains what occupations are, in the context of occupational therapy. It’s written in a way that will help people outside of the OT profession understand occupations and why they matter, so it doesn’t include technical terms. For more information, direct people to our about...

You can find here a range of resources to help you talk about occupations, in the context of occupational therapy, in person, in your workplace and on social media:  Posters to display in your workplace. Graphics to share on social media or insert into documents. Banners to use in your email...

Commenting on the Skills for Care State of the Adult Social Care Sector and Workforce in England , released today, Director of Practice and Innovation at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), Karin Orman, said: ‘Getting the social care workforce right will mean that more people will...

Networks are an important way to get advice and support, broaden thinking, find inspiration, and enhance career opportunities. We’ve pulled together primary care occupational therapy networks in the UK. These include networks across the whole UK, country, and patient specific networks. The RCOT...

We spoke to occupational therapists from Sheffield to hear their tips about piloting occupational therapy primary care. They've shared tips with you that cover practice, education, research, and leadership. We think following them could make a big impact to spread innovation. Tip 1 . GPs need your...

Primary care is one of our key priorities because it's the first point of contact or front door to the NHS, social care, and general practice. It includes the day-to-day healthcare available in every local area and first place people go when they need healthcare advice, diagnosis, assessments,...

Improved access , decreased demand . In Lanarkshire, 55% of patients had fewer GP appointments after occupational therapy interventions. 97% had improved quality of life and 88% improved their activities of daily living and functional outcomes. In North Wales, 76% of patients with mental health...

Blessing Christian, a first-year MSc occupational therapy student at Glasgow University reveals her journey to studying OT, 'aha' moments, joys in her studies and advice for aspiring OTs. Read on to find out her full story.

Occupational therapy lecturer, Aicha Djalo Balde, shares how being at the vibrant intersection of culture and identity has informed her teaching and what it means to work as an educator in Britain today.

The cost-of-living crisis is making it more difficult for children and young people to access the therapies and interventions they need, say almost two-thirds ( 65% ) of paediatric occupational therapists. These results stem from our newly released children and young people's survey 2023. The...

This year, working with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), we have jointly led eight other professional bodies to update our principles of practice-based learning . This means the principles are now co-badged by 10 AHP professional bodies to support you in creating quality and...

Summary The children’s occupational therapy (OT) workforce is under huge pressure. Increased demand and workforce shortages are challenging occupational therapists’ capacity to provide essential support to children and young people whose health, development and wellbeing is affected by a range of...

Our membership experience survey is now open! We work with you to ensure people everywhere value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. This means giving you the insights, training and membership experiences that best support your professional development – whatever stage you are in your...

Are you pursuing a career in occupational therapy research in 2024? Through our Research Foundation grants you can apply for one of up to five awards totalling up to £140,000 – all to develop the future of occupational therapy, support OT researchers and develop research leaders. Find your grant...

The theme of this year’s UK Black History Month is ‘Saluting our Sisters’. This theme highlights the crucial role that Black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. Join in on social media and celebrate the incredible work that Black women have done, people...

This issue, we are excited to share some of the fabulous work members of our occupational therapy community are doing in emerging areas of practice, alongside service developments in more traditional settings.

Occupational therapists bring diverse skills to primary care. They provide new expertise to primary care teams to ensure patients get fast access to the right care at the right time. Occupational therapists are clinically trained to work holistically with patients with physical, mental, and social...

Recommendations of the Neonatal Clinical Forum, part of the RCOT Specialist Section – Children, Young People and Families.

We’re excited to introduce Professor Katrina Bannigan as the speaker for our 2024 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture.

Do you work in neonatal care? Use our updated staffing recommendations and professional development framework to increase and develop your services.

With parts of the country experiencing their hottest temperatures of the year this week, we've issued advice for people with fatigue , who may feel much more tired in hot weather. Extreme heat can make you feel more tired, and it can be harder to concentrate when it’s very hot. This is even more...

Targeted Box and Block Test (tBBT) The FDA updated the tBBT design after consultation with clinicians and patients. The feedback resulted in a few key design changes to the tBBT including (1) the use of a 3x3 pattern instead of a 4x4 pattern to give prosthesis users more space to manipulate blocks...

Alhotye M, Daynes E, Gerlis C, Singh SJ. Symptoms burden and rehabilitation preference after an episode of COVID-19: A patients survey. Chronic Respiratory Disease. 2023;20. Symptoms burden and rehabilitation preference after an episode of COVID-19: A patients survey - Munyra Alhotye, Enya Daynes,...

Brose JM, Willis E, Morgan DD. The intentional pursuit of everyday life while dying: A longitudinal qualitative study of working-aged adults living with advanced cancer. Palliative Medicine. 2023;0(0). The intentional pursuit of everyday life while dying: A longitudinal qualitative study of working...

Thomsen SD, Garboe FAS, Enemark Larsen A, Uth J, Krustrup P, Madsen EE. Football Fitness as a meaningful driver of occupational identity in female breast cancer survivors. British Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2023;86(7):482-492. Football Fitness as a meaningful driver of occupational identity...

We are pleased to announce that the new Secured by Design (SBD) 2023 HOMES guide published in April 2023 now contains wording which includes references to accessible and inclusive design and recommendations to consult access professionals such as housing occupational therapists (OT). This is as a...

Applications for our 2024 Annual Awards for learning, research and development are open for an additional week and we want you to apply. For 2024 there are awards across nine different categories, ranging from £500 – £2,000 for travel, learning, innovation, technology, research and more. We'd...

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) sets the standards for (and regulates) 15 professions, including OT. All OTs must meet these standards to become registered and remain on the HCPC register. HCPC reviews its standards of proficiency (SoPs) on a regular basis to ensure they remain...

If you’re one of the 2.5% of occupational therapists selected by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for an audit of your continued professional development (CPD), you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help you! What to expect from the audit Visit our dedicated webpage and watch...

We recognise that, like the rest of the UK, you may be facing a financial squeeze right now. Soaring interest rates, a cost-of-living crisis and inefficient recovery post Covid-19 have left a lot of us financially uncertain and anxious. When our minds are focused on these concerns, we often can’t...

Welcome to RCOT's careers page, where you can explore our current vacancies and learn about the candidate journey from application to becoming a valued member of our team. Join us in helping people everywhere value the life-changing power of occupational therapy. To find out more about the...

The NHS England Workforce Plan aims to support the health and wellbeing of the NHS workforce and, working with local leaders, ensure integrated occupational health and wellbeing services are in place for all staff. Nick Pahl, CEO of the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) and a member of Council...

As the summer holidays begin or continue throughout the UK, almost half (46%) of parents with primary school-age children are worried about finding time to play with their child over the long break. This is mainly because parents are working (52%) and it costs too much (42%), according to our new...

As Regional Communications lead on the committee, you'll produce the region newsletter and any bulletins needed with members of the committee as wellk as supporting members to write articles for inclusion in the newsletters. As a Retired Representative on committee, you'll support the committee to...

First, we invite everyone to share their views on RCOT’s newly-launched draft Equity, Diversity and Belonging (EDB) strategy. It’s based on the views and needs of you – our members – colleagues and stakeholders with direct experience of, or insights into, the discrimination and disadvantages members and people they provide services to face.

Do you have experience in grant application review or academic assessment? Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your continued professional development (CPD)? You should apply to become an external assessor for our Annual Awards! What will you do? Review and mark applications for the RCOT...

Ruth Murray, L3 Occupational Therapy Student, QMU: “When I logged on to see my allocation for my third-year placement and read 'Lochgilphead', it raised two questions: where it is and how on earth do I pronounce it? After doing a bit of googling I finally had answers to both, and then immediately...

Commenting on the ONS statistical bulletin about self-reported Long Covid symptoms in the UK, which was released today, RCOT Professional Advisor, Lauren Walker, said: ‘It’s no surprise that weakness or tiredness are reported as the most common symptoms of Long Covid, or that so many people with...

This is our summary of the key points affecting occupational therapists from the 150-page NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan, which was released last week. Over the coming days and weeks, we will be providing further analysis and commentary to members on how these changes impact the profession...

We are one of ten Allied Health Professional (AHP) professional bodies working together to support the growth and quality of practice-based learning in pre-registration education.

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...

Commenting on the NHS England Long Term Workforce Plan , Director of Practice and Innovation, Karin Orman, said: ‘We had high hopes for this workforce plan and, frankly, occupational therapists have been let down, which means patients are also being let down. There is so much focus on doctors and...

As this year's LGBTQIA+ Pride month draws to a close, Louis Prime explores how the profession can help when working with people who are LGBTQIA+. If you're inspired by Louis and want to work to make occupational therapy more inclusive, we've just opened up our Equity, Diversity and Belonging (EDB)...

As we approach the end of this year's LGBTQIA+ Pride month, Tony Chew shares his story about having to reclaim his identity after moving to the UK from the Philippines. We're grateful to Tony for taking the time to explore this and love the way he's connected his story with wider systemic OT issues...

Today we're launching our new How to manage your energy levels guide that's filled with practical advice for people recovering from illness or managing long-term health conditions. It’s common to have low energy and feel more tired than usual when you’re unwell, recovering from an illness, or...

We’re running our third Children and Young People's Occupational Therapy (CYP OT) survey looking into children’s access to occupational therapy across the UK. The survey is open until 9am, Monday 31 July 2023 . This survey is now closed. What do I need to do? If you’re a children’s occupational...

This is here to help you understand more about the language used to discuss equity, diversity and belonging. It contains a list of key terms and definitions. We’ve developed this glossary together with colleagues and members from the RCOT EDB Reference Group and the expert advisory groups, in...

We’ve drafted an Equity, Diversity and Belonging (EDB) strategy with the support of our EDB reference group made up of members, staff and public contributors and an independent organisation, Enventure Research. Having this strategy is an essential step on our journey to creating a culture of...

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