Shaped by you: 3,000+ members helped build the six priorities that will shape RCOT through to 2029, from strengthening community and voice to showcasing OT's impact. Hear from CEO Gary Waltham and Chair Odeth Richardson on what's next 👇 https://bit.ly/4AQd7cM

'This strategy belongs to all of us.' – RCOT strategy 2026–2029

YouTube video by Royal College of Occupational Therapists

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Allied Health Professionals are central to delivering neighbourhood health, prevention-focused care, rehabilitation and recovery. That's why the AHP Federation is calling for stronger and more consistent AHP leadership. Read the statement 🔗 https://bit.ly/4ywl1X4 #AHPs #NHSReform #HealthBill

Our policy team has attended party conferences, met with key stakeholders, and ensured occupational therapy is visible in conversations shaping the future of health and care. Alongside AHP colleagues, we signed a letter calling for AHP leadership to be reflected in the new Health Bill.

At the Labour Party Conference, we learnt more about the government's new work and where OT fits within supporting young people in the UK, as well as health and social care. #LabourPartyConference #OccupationalTherapy #PolicyUpdates

Stronger Allied Health Professional leadership means bringing our expertise into the decisions that shape the future of health and care. Read our joint statement: www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/ahpf-calls-stronger-ahp-leadership-nhs-reform #AHP #HealthBill #RCOT #OccupationalTherapy

The Keep Britain Working report is about whether the demands of a job, the environment someone works in & the support available to them are aligned with their abilities & circumstances: https://bit.ly/4yQUIuz #KeepBritainWorkingReview #KBWR #OccupationalTherapy

A new Earn and Learn pilot lets healthcare support workers in rural and island Scotland train as occupational therapists while staying in work, delivered with @robertgordonuni.bsky.social and backed by the Scottish Government. 👇 https://bit.ly/4d4ao5n

This is OT working in the community exactly as it should. Meet Sport for Confidence's SfC Connect, an OT-led wellbeing service for Westminster residents living with long-term conditions, disabilities, mental health needs or significant life changes. Read the full article 👉 https://bit.ly/4c9Qi9n

We recently welcomed HRH The Princess Royal, our Patron, to Musgrave Park Hospital's Regional Acquired Brain Injury Unit in Belfast. The visit marked 20 years of RABIU and celebrated how occupational therapists support people after brain injury. 👏

Amy Howard, you’re a Merit Award winner 🎉 The Merit Award recognises outstanding contributions to occupational therapy and Amy's work championing our voice in shaping the future of social care in England is exactly why this recognition is so well deserved

What's on? 📌 We've got a few dates worth adding to your diary this autumn. 🍂 Whether you're looking to learn something new or connect with the OT community, there's something here for you. Find out more and book your spot 👉https://bit.ly/4icVA7E

A new episode of the advanced practice podcast is out now. 🎧 Advanced practice in occupational therapy is evolving. This episode dives into Leading through Curiosity with Eleanor Corbett and it's well worth your time. 👉 https://bit.ly/3SyayKX

Leading through curiosity – Eleanor Corbett’s advanced practice journey – Career Conversations Podca

In this episode of RCOT’s Career Conversations about advanced and consultant level practice, Claire Guyatt (Practice and Workforce Manager at RCOT) is joined by Eleanor Corbett, Consultant Practitioner in a Frailty Urgent Community Response/Hospital@Hom...

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Nature as medicine 🌳 OTs are bringing green spaces into recovery and wellbeing, think allotment groups, nature support workers and more. This work sits alongside Natural England's strategy to help people connect with and benefit from nature. 🌿 https://bit.ly/4g7IZ4e

Otterly Brilliant: Occupational Therapy Supporting Nature-Based Health Delivery and Site Improvements

By Esther Smith, Senior Officer, Health and Environment (North East and Yorkshire) This blog outlines the importance of green spaces in improving health and wellbeing, with a focus on occupational the...

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The deadline is 18 September. Have your say. Decisions about the future of health and care services in England are being made and OTs needs a strong voice. We're keen to hear from OTs in local authority, mental health and criminal justice. Complete the survey 👉 http://bit.ly/43eMSgB

A big welcome to Rosie Hughes, who's joining BAOT Council as our new Research and Development representative. 👋 Rosie is bringing a lot of experience she's bringing to a role that really matters for the future of occupational therapy. Welcome Rosie! 🙌

Working as an independent OT looks different for everyone. And now there's guidance to reflect that. Whether you're newly independent or well established, our new guidance is worth exploring. Read the new guidance 👉 https://bit.ly/4hZ6QEv

Participation Changes Everything is our OT Week 2026 theme, 2 Nov. For Melanie, participation meant being able to go out to buy her own electric shaver again, allowing her to maintain an aspect of personal care that was important to her🪒 Start planning your OT Week 👉 https://bit.ly/4wBKspl

Participation Changes Everything is our OT Week 2026 theme, 2 Nov. For Melanie, participation meant being able to go out to buy her own electric shaver again, allowing her to maintain an aspect of personal care that was important to her🪒 Start planning your OT Week 👉 https://bit.ly/4wBKspl

Members 📢 Your July OTnews Extra is here. From supporting young people with SEND to promoting disability pride and championing neurodiversity in the workplace, see how OTs are breaking barriers and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Swipe through now 🗞️ 👉 https://bit.ly/4fFbuop

A national framework for AHPs is being developed for 2027-2032 and your voice needs to be part of it 📢 We'll also be feeding in as RCOT, drawing on what we hear from members to make sure OT has a strong voice at a national level. The deadline is 18 September 📅 https://bit.ly/4ovX9yx

Different paths, different experiences, one shared community. From learning and connection to confidence and growth, hear how four members are making the most of their RCOT membership. What’s been the most valuable part of membership for you? 💬 Join it here: https://bit.ly/4wmH4yJ

RCOT members: your voice matters. 🗳️ Join us online for the BAOT AGM – Thursday 25 June, from 12.30pm. Vote on how your professional body is run, hold Council to account and hear how your organisation is performing. 👉 rcot.co.uk/agm2026

This Carers Week we're thinking about the millions of people who show up every day for someone else. Are you a carer or do you work with carers in your practice? Head to our Communities network and join the conversation 👉 [LINK]

Meet Thahmina 👋 OT. Community builder. Always learning. For her, being part of RCOT means tapping into the knowledge and experience of OTs across the UK and bringing that back into practice. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4wmH4yJ

Meet Norma 👋 An RCOT member for nearly 20 years, staying connected, learning from others and growing with the profession. A reminder that behind every OT is a community that gets it https://bit.ly/3QPSpqK

More than half (56%) of OTs say they can't provide the level of support children require and only 39% report fully staffed teams 📉 There is a clear opportunity through the proposed “experts at hand” service. But without the capacity to deliver it, children will miss out ➡️ https://bit.ly/4cT51F4

Employers play a key role in shaping those first OT experiences, from strong supervision to creating team cultures where people feel supported and able to grow. Our new Early Career Principles offer practical guidance to help make that happen 👉 https://bit.ly/4svxSF2

When might a child benefit from seeing an occupational therapist? We’ll let OT Lizzie answer that👇 Children and young people may need different types of support at different times. We’ve broken them down into three rough categories ➡️ https://bit.ly/47gYBO4

Say hello to Amber at our Spotlight on Parenting event in Birmingham on 20 April. 📍 Don't miss out on your member-exclusive early bird ticket to this practical, creative and occupation-focused event. CPD, networking and collaboration guide this event. See the full agenda 🔗 https://bit.ly/4rUOOov

Occupational therapy in schools is evolving 💚 More OTs are working in classrooms, supporting whole-school approaches and helping children take part in everyday routines that support their development and wellbeing. 'What matters most is children’s natural context.' More 👉 https://bit.ly/4tJ5nFW

How occupational therapists’ role in schools is changing

It used to be the case that occupational therapists only really helped individual pupils with complex needs, but now they are increasingly working to a much broader brief with schools, finds Zofia Nie...

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