Royal College of Occupational Therapists

Two students in a classroom sit at a desk, smiling and holding markers. The wall behind them displays various colorful artwork and educational posters. They appear engaged and happy.

Good news for children, families and OTs 👏

The new schools White Paper recognises occupational therapy through the ‘Experts at Hand’ model, giving schools earlier specialist help.

Next focus: funding, workforce capacity and delivery. 💚
More updates soon.

Why occupational therapists are essential to tackling rising youth unemployment We've submitted evidence to the Alan Milburn Review on youth unemployment, setting out why occupational therapists must be part of the solution.

Youth unemployment is rising and too many young people are falling through the gaps.

We’ve told the Alan Milburn Review why occupational therapists must be part of the solution.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4sa7yR8

New ‘experts at hand’ won’t arrive fast enough, DfE warned Professional bodies back bigger roles in schools for educational psychologists, occupational and speech and language therapists - but say they already struggle to meet demand

Plans for an 'experts at hand' service could improve access to specialist support in schools.

But the workforce is already under pressure.

RCOT’s Karin Orman told @tesmagazine.bsky.social the investment is welcome, but funding must reach frontline teams. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3N7kqZo

Good news for the AHP workforce A new All-Party Parliamentary Group for Allied Health Professionals has been registered.

OTs now have a stronger voice in Parliament.

A new All-Party Parliamentary Group for AHPs brings MPs and Peers together to focus on the workforce.

We’ll make sure occupational therapy expertise helps shape national decisions.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/3P2WgzO

Our new restrictive equipment guidance is now live. 📣

Practical support to help Occupational Therapists make safe, ethical decisions.

Download your copy here: 🔗 https://bit.ly/48KrF09

Gary has kicked off his UK visits in Scotland.

Two days meeting OTs in Edinburgh and Glasgow – hearing about workforce pressures, innovation and prevention in action.

Your voices will shape our next steps.

Read more in the blog 👉 https://bit.ly/4tJ54e7

A person in a wheelchair propels forward against a teal backdrop. Text reads: "Independent OT practice is rewarding – but it's demanding. You don't have to do it alone. Join us in London for a one-day training event. 9.30am–5pm, Wednesday 11 March 2026." The Royal College of Occupational Therapists logo is visible at the top.

Independent OT practice is demanding - but you don’t have to do it alone.

Join us in London for a one-day training event to help you sustain your work, diversify income an build a future-proof practice.

📆 11 March 2026 | 9.30am – 5pm
👉 https://bit.ly/4rK9Abb

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQIA+ History Month

Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist Niall Kirrane talks about simple actions that can create social change and explores how we can support LGBTQIA+ people using occupational therapy services.

🔗 https://bit.ly/4b7PLV1

🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQIA+ History Month
Niall Kirrane reflects on activism through an occupational lens and how everyday actions shape social change in occupational therapy.

📹 https://bit.ly/4b7PLV1

Explore more LGBTQIA+ History Month content in our Communities space where members share ideas and experiences.

Children thrive when support is in place early.

The schools White Paper recognises the role of OTs in schools and neighbourhood teams.

Now we need workforce and funding to turn ambition into action.

Read more in our response.
🔗 https://bit.ly/3MGWgVG

Mandy didn’t expect her school-based placement to reshape her confidence, but it did.

Working independently, leading a handwriting project and supporting pupils through transition helped her see just how much OT can offer in education.

📘 Read Mandy’s full story: https://bit.ly/4b8W6Ag

Thank you for flagging this, Irene. We will look into making a nomination.

Dr Sureshkumar Kamalakannan, Karin Orman, Jou Yin Teoh and Odeth Richardson smiling together at the WFOT Congress, standing in front of a conference banner.

Dr Sureshkumar Kamalakannan standing at a lectern and presenting at the WFOT Congress.

WFOT Congress wrapped up on a high.

52 RCOT members took part – sharing research and building global connections.

AI in practice and draft early career standards sparked strong interest. New BJOT opportunities are already emerging.

A group of occupational therapy colleagues standing together indoors with Gary during a visit to Cambridgeshire, where he met teams to learn about their work and impact.

Gary’s first month reflections: what you’ve told him so far 👋

Over 100 members met, visits across the UK, and lots of honest conversations. Gary’s shared what he’s hearing from OTs and how your insights are shaping his next steps.

Read the blog: 🔗 https://bit.ly/3MtONZL

Two occupational therapists in uniforms walking and chatting in a hospital corridor.

Did you know you can qualify as an occupational therapist through an apprenticeship?

Combining paid work (80%) with learning (20%) through an employer such as the @NHS or a social care service – there's more than one route to OT 🎓

How has work-based learning supported you or your team? 💬

This image shows a person with glasses and wearing a patterned top, standing against a wooden backdrop. In the top left, the logo of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists is visible. At the bottom, a quote reads, "Early intervention, rehabilitation and environmental adaptations are all well-evidenced OT strategies that align with the Care Act's vision of prevention and personal empowerment."

We bring far more to social care than equipment & adaptations.

Amy Howard explores the role of OTs in Care Act assessments, prevention & early intervention & how this supports personalised care & allows people to do the occupations they want & need to do

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4tqBDNK

Karin Orman standing at a lectern and presenting at the WFOT Congress in Bangkok.

Strong UK leadership at the 19th WFOT Congress today. Karin Orman shared clear, practical insight on innovation and practice development, adding real value to global discussions about occupational therapy.

#WFOT2026

OT is complex, simplifying it is our strength 💚

In the RCOT Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture 2026, Sue Parkinson will explore how OTs break down tasks, routines and activities to help manage complexity and sustain what matters.

Anyone with an interest in OT can save a spot https://bit.ly/49Yr1OC

An individual is kneeling and conversing with another person who is standing in a room. The room has a bed, dresser, and artwork on the wall. The text reads, "Adult social care is at a pivotal moment & it needs your story." The background is purple.

Adult social care is changing & occupational therapy needs to be visible.

As the Casey Commission looks ahead - we want to hear about how OT is preventing, reducing or delaying the need for formal care, supporting people to live the lives they want.

Share yours 👉 https://bit.ly/4bEof2j

4/5 occupational therapists have seen demand increase in our new research.

Over half can’t provide the needed equipment/adaptations, leaving many people waiting months.

We’re using this evidence to drive action 🔗 https://bit.ly/4qV62SH

We're so glad you found it useful, Charlie.

Scotland 2026: Six steps to a healthier nation Occupational therapists support people at every stage of life. Our six asks outline the action Scotland needs to strengthen services and improve outcomes.

We’ve published our Manifesto ahead of the Holyrood 2026 elections, setting out six practical priorities to strengthen prevention, rehabilitation & community care in Scotland.

Read the Manifesto & share it with your networks, local candidates & system leaders 👉 https://bit.ly/4qXElZF #Holyrood26

Race Equality Week exists to turn awareness into action. 🤝

With this year’s theme #ChangeNeedsAllOfUs, we’re reminded that progress happens when everyone plays a part.

We’re taking part in the 5-Day Challenge, focusing on learning & everyday actions that help build a more inclusive workplace.

21 years of #LGBTHistoryMonth 🌍

Science & Innovation is the theme highlighting the impact LGBTQIA+ people have had on everyday life, from healthcare & technology.

While recognising the past harms they have faced through the misapplication of science & why inclusive voices matter for the future 🙌

Advertisement for RCOT's Fit note training session, featuring an image of a person writing a note with a pen on a desk. Event details: Build confidence in fit note conversations; 12:00pm - 1:30pm, Thursday 5 February 2026.

94% of fit notes still say 'not fit for work' and that’s a missed opportunity.

OTs are well placed to shift to 'may be fit' with the right support. This session builds confidence using fit notes in practice. Join here 👉 https://bit.ly/4t46n74

Demand for occupational therapy is rising 📈 and our new research shows growing pressure on the profession.

Two-thirds are facing mounting pressures - leaving people without the right support at the right time. 🔗 https://bit.ly/3Z6rXKB

What matters most to you as an RCOT member?

To hear directly from you, Gary has opened the first in a new series of monthly discussions on RCOT Communities. Your insights will help strengthen the future of the profession.

The discussion closes Friday at 4pm. Find out more 👉 https://bit.ly/4ambozF

Leading OT resource creator and respected speaker to deliver our Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture We’re delighted to announce Sue Parkinson as the speaker for our 2026 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture.

Sue Parkinson's 2026 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture is coming soon. 💚

Known for her contributions to the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), Sue’s influence on occupation-centred practice is huge.

Online in April 2026, free for all OTs & members. https://bit.ly/4pYd34d

Navy background, white text overlay with image featuring Dr Sally Payne, Professional Advisor for children and young people, with a quote that reads: "As occupational therapists we play a vital role in helping babies and children take part in everyday activities that help them grow, thrive and reach their full potential."

We're pleased to see that the Health and Social Care Committee's First 1000 Days report has included some of the evidence we provided about the essential role of OTs in early childhood development.

Read what our Professional Advisor, Dr Sally Payne had to say about it 👉 https://bit.ly/4pO8okX

An elderly person using a walker sits on a sofa and converses with a standing adult in a living room smiling.

Learning to become an OT? 🎓

Join us on 21 Jan, 12.30–1.30pm, to hear how we can support you and help you grow your skills in your early career.

Open to everyone. Start the year feeling connected. 🌿 https://bit.ly/4pZhbkP