Sign in

RCOT Policy Wales

@rcotpolicywales.bsky.social
62 followers 113 following 73 posts

Policy and public affairs updates from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists in Wales. Account run by Paul Smith, RCOT Wales Policy and Public Affairs Lead.

PostsRepliesMedia
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
It was a pleasure to demonstrate some of the incredible work being done by OTs and the impact they're having when our CEO Gary Waltham visited South Wales last week. From Carmarthenshire's immediate response team, to NPT's schools engagement and OTs in A&E at UHW. #RightTimeOT
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
#Dementia Action Week (18-24 May) aims to reduce stigma, improve understanding & promote early diagnosis. #OccupationalTherapy can help improve health & wellbeing through participation in the things you want & need to do in everyday life. With #OT you can... www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CVw...
youtube.com
With Occupational Therapy you CAN
YouTube video by AHP Dementia Cymru | Wales
010
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
April update – Considering voting as an occupation, promoting our open letter and getting ready for the new Senedd www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/...
rcot.co.uk
Wales/Cymru policy and public affairs update – April
An April update on Wales/Cymru policy and public affairs, highlighting key developments affecting occupational therapy and the wider health and social care landscape. Find out what RCOT is influencing...
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
#OTs need to be able to provide the right support at the right time for maximum impact. #RightTimeOT Over 300 #occupationaltherapists signed our open letter to the new #Welsh Govt calling for #prevention, early intervention, and community-based support. www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/2610568...
southwalesargus.co.uk
Hundreds of occupational therapists call on politicians for change
Occupational therapists in Wales have called on the new Welsh Government to put prevention, early intervention, and community-based support at the…
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Last week was a historic day for #devolution in #Wales as #PlaidCymru became the largest party in the #Senedd. But what does this mean for #occupationaltherapy? Take a read of our short blog on why the election results matter for #OTs in Wales. 👇 www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/...
rcot.co.uk
Election results were a historic day for Welsh devolution
Paul Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales, reflects on what the Welsh election results mean for occupational therapists.
010
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Tomorrow (Thursday 7 May) is polling day for the #Senedd elections. Polls are open from 7am-10pm and you don't need your #ID to vote. For more information and guidance on how to #vote confidently, check out our #RCOT advice to #liftupyoureveryday www.rcot.co.uk/voting
rcot.co.uk
Lift Up Your Everyday – Vote confidently
Expert occupational therapy advice to vote confidently.
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Wow! Over 300 #OTs have signed our #openletter There's still time to add your name and strengthen our calls to the next Welsh Government. Don't forget polling day is Thursday 7th May - polls are open 7am-10pm. You do not need #ID or your polling card to vote at the Senedd elections.
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Ahead of the #Senedd elections next week, we've teamed up with @rcotpolicyscot.bsky.social to write for #OTNews on why #policy and #publicaffairs matter to #OT Read the article at viewer.joomag.com/otnews-april... pages 50 and 51 Want to get involved in our work? Email paul.smtih@rcot.co.uk
020
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Great to have coverage of our #RightTimeOT campaign - unlocking the power of OT in schools. Early #OT support for children who have experienced trauma improves outcomes in the classroom, enabling teachers to teach and students to thrive. Find out more at: rcot.co.uk/RightTimeOT-schools
010
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
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 👉 bit.ly/4svxSF2
042
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐓𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬 Ensure #OTs have fair access to senior leadership roles, supported by clear development pathways & national leadership roles. Read our five steps to a healthier #Wales at www.rcot.co.uk/Wales26
010
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 Guarantee long-term funding for proven #OT interventions, so effective services are sustained rather than lost when short-term programmes end. Read our five steps to a healthier #Wales at www.rcot.co.uk/Wales26
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
𝐏𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐡 #𝐍𝐇𝐒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 By moving towards early support by expanding #occupationaltherapy -led prevention across communities, primary care and education. Read our five steps to a healthier #Wales at www.rcot.co.uk/Wales26
000
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
We're one month away from the #Senedd #election. We need to make sure the next #Welsh govt knows that they need to prioritise #OT and the benefits we bring. Read and sign our #openletter to candidates & political parties at www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/... #Wales #occupationaltherapy #7May
011
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
We're one month away from the #Senedd #election. We need to make sure the next #Welsh govt knows that they need to prioritise #OT and the benefits we bring. Read and sign our #openletter to candidates & political parties at www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/... #Wales #occupationaltherapy #7May
011
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 #𝐎𝐓 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. Ensure #occupational #therapists are consistently recorded across all settings and introduce #safestaffing levels for key services. Read our five steps to a healthier #Wales at www.rcot.co.uk/Wales26
010
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
#𝐀𝐇𝐏 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, #𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 #𝐎𝐓 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 #𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 - read your policy and public affairs update for #Wales 👇 tinyurl.com/RCOTMarch26W...
010
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
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 🔗 bit.ly/4rUOOov
The image features an illustration of an adult and a child interacting with toys. The logo of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists is at the top left. Below is a quote from Amber Jones, a Spotlight on Parenting attendee, discussing a residential programme aimed at addressing social and health inequalities among solo parents.
031
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐓𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 We want the next #Welsh Govt to double the number of #OTs working in primary care, ensuring every #GP cluster has an embedded OT by 2030. Read our five steps to a healthier #Wales at www.rcot.co.uk/Wales26
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
"The number of university funded places to study occupational therapy have been cut by 35% compared to last year. This is very short-sighted. Reducing the number of learners for coming into the profession will have a significant impact on the workforce in the future." www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/...
rcot.co.uk
Our comment on the Education and Training Plan in Wales
Paul Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales, comment on Health Education and Improvement Wales' release of the Education and Training Plan for 2026/27.
010
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
"Occupational therapists already make a significant contribution to #primarycare in #Wales, but sustainable funding, consistent service models and improved infrastructure are essential to ensuring that every community can benefit." Read our full response: www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/...
rcot.co.uk
Our response to the Senedd Future of General Practice report
We've looked at the Senedd's Future of General Practice report to understand what it means for our members in Wales.
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
🎉 BREAKING NEWS! 🎉 After months of campaigning the Chief AHP Officer for Welsh Government has finally been readvertised. Applications need to be submitted by 4pm, Monday 23rd March. For more details visit: tinyurl.com/y6hx8rd6
civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk
Quick Check Needed
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Our #AHP "snap" game was very popular at #Welsh @libdems.org.uk conference this weekend. The fastest time was an incredible 1 min 1 second! Sadly, the future of AHPs is not a game. Thank you to all the #LibDem candidates/MP who listened carefully to our calls to empower the AHP workforce.
100
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
The #RCOT #Wales Network are excited to invite you to their first Community Conversation. This is a live, virtual #CPD activity designed to be informal, interactive and participant-driven. They’ll explore challenges, share insights and spark ideas to strengthen our practice. tinyurl.com/tvkmrvw8
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
We’ve published our #Wales #manifesto ahead of the #Senedd elections May 7 2026. It sets out five practical priorities to strengthen workforce planning and community care, reduce hospital admissions and improve outcomes for people across the country.
100
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
The Welsh Govt are carrying out a consultation on their draft Dementia strategy for Wales covering 2022-36. We've created a survey to fully understand the challenges, opportunities and showcase the experience of OTs working within this area. Have your say at communities.rcot.co.uk/topics/49483...
013
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Ten days left to share your insights into #childrens #occupationaltherapy By understanding how services for children & #youngpeople are organised, delivered and what is making it difficult for children and families to access or benefit from #OT support in #Wales. www.rcot.co.uk/latest-news/...
rcot.co.uk
Share your insights in our children’s occupational therapy survey 2026
Calling children’s OTs in the UK – especially in schools. Share your insights in our 10 minute survey by Monday 2 March 2026.
013
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
AHPs are the THIRD largest workforce in #NHSWales. As well as working in local government, social care and independent practice. For every £1 invested in AHPs we see, on average, a return of £34 - and in some areas up to £98.
110
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
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: 🔗 bit.ly/3MtONZL
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.
052
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
The #Senedd constituencies & how we vote is changing. On 7 May you'll no longer have two votes - you'll have one vote to elect 6 MSs on a proportional list. The constituencies are also getting bigger. Use the @senedd.wales finder to check your new constituency: constituency.senedd.wales
000
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
As part of our first 'Meet the OT" experience, Deeside Community Hospital welcomed Sam Rowlands MS to its Flintshire Primary & Community Care and Early Intervention Team to see first-hand how occupational therapists are supporting people's health and improving their quality of life.
121
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
The Welsh Govt are carrying out a consultation on their draft Dementia strategy for Wales covering 2022-36. We've created a survey to fully understand the challenges, opportunities and showcase the experience of OTs working within this area. Have your say at communities.rcot.co.uk/topics/49483...
013
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
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 👉 bit.ly/4t46n74
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.
033
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
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 🙌
044
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
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. bit.ly/4pYd34d
bit.ly
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.
133
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Plaid Cymru health spokesperson @mabonapgwynfor.bsky.social raised the ongoing CAHPO vacancy in the @senedd.wales this week. Great to hear the Minister's recognition & support for AHPs, disappointing that he wasn't able to confirm a new recruitment process or an interim CAHPO. Watch below.
000
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
Out now - Your December 25/January 26 OTnews issue 👉🏼 bit.ly/4sfZm2U [Video says 'OTnews: Have you read your December/January issue yet?'. Front cover of OTnews rolls in from the left side. It has two people on it - one looks to be supporting the other who is picking up a glass.]
012
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
We’re excited to welcome our new Chief Executive, Gary Waltham. His priority is simple: to listen, learn and work with you to make RCOT the best it can be. There are lots of ways to connect with Gary and share your ideas: bit.ly/4jju4Uw
Quote from RCOT Chief Executive, Gary Waltham, reads 'I'm here to work with our members to make RCOT the best it can be.' Headshot of Gary in top, right hand side.
044
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
📣 Mae AHPs wedi colli eu llais yng ngalon Llywodraeth Cymru. Galwn am CAHPO dros dro wedi'i benodi ar unwaith. 🫵 Ond mae angen eich help chi arnom ni. ✍️ Llofnodwch ein llythyr agored at y Prif Weinidog a gwnewch yn siŵr bod eich llais yn cael ei glywed: tinyurl.com/AHPFOpenLetter
001
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
📣 AHPs have lost their voice at the heart of Welsh Govt. Sadly, this doesn’t look to be changing soon. We want an interim CAHPO appointed immediately. ✍️ We are calling on all AHPs to sign our open letter to the FM to make sure your voice is heard: tinyurl.com/AHPFOpenLetter
001
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
📣 AHPs have lost their voice at the heart of Welsh Govt. Sadly, this doesn’t look to be changing soon. We want an interim CAHPO appointed immediately. ✍️ We are calling on all AHPs to sign our open letter to the FM to make sure your voice is heard: tinyurl.com/AHPFOpenLetter
001
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
📣 Mae AHPs wedi colli eu llais yng ngalon Llywodraeth Cymru. Galwn am CAHPO dros dro wedi'i benodi ar unwaith. 🫵 Ond mae angen eich help chi arnom ni. ✍️ Llofnodwch ein llythyr agored at y Prif Weinidog a gwnewch yn siŵr bod eich llais yn cael ei glywed: tinyurl.com/AHPFOpenLetter
001
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Three occupational therapists represented the OT profession in evidence sessions for the Casey Commission on Social Care. FInd out more about the evidence sessions, our future plans and have your say in the Commission: loom.ly/uGfsqsI
Photo of Amy Howard, RCOT Practice Network Lead for Social Care in top righthand corner. Text reads 'It was great to share how occupational therapy can transform the social care experience'.
032
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
This month, the placement and research cafes come together for a joint event exploring the experiences of marginalised occupational therapy students. Thursday 11 December 2025, 1-2pm. Details of how to join: loom.ly/05IIkUs
Text reads: Joint research and placement cafe
Experiences of marginalised occupational therapy students.

1-2pm Thursday 11 December
054
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Huge congratulations to all the OT winners at this month's AHAs: Sarah Gigg and the multi-professional team across Swansea Bay Health Board and Swansea Community Equipment Store Steering Group who took home the award for working across boundaries.
100
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Whether you want to talk about your membership, reflect on one of the talks you've heard or meet a few of the faces behind your membership body – we cannot wait to connect with OTs from across the UK at the OT Show next week! loom.ly/uIj_hXI
Come and say hello at the OT Show
We’re looking forward to connecting with so many of our members and the OT community next week.
Wednesday 26–Thursday 27 November
021
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Two weeks left – have your say! 🗣️ ⏱️It takes about 20 minutes to give your feedback on our draft Professional Standards, but it shapes practice for the next five years! Read the draft and share your thoughts before 11.59pm, Sunday 7 December 2025. 👉🏾 loom.ly/P36TqgU
Our proposed Professional Standards give you more guidance on:

equity, diversity and belonging
artificial intelligence
environmental sustainability
reinforcing our profession’s foundation.

Please give us your feedback by 
Sunday 7 December 2025
012
Reposted by RCOT Policy Wales
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
It’s #AHPSupportWorkerWeek! 🎉 We want to recognise the incredible contribution of our occupational therapy support workforce. Your dedication, compassion and skill make a real difference every day. Thank you for everything you do to help people live well. 💚
Text reads 'Happy AHP Support Worker Week!' with illustrations of people doing occupations including cycling, someone at a desk, gardening, running and a person feeding a baby.
032
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Day 5 of #OTWeek25 Great to have OTs and OT week recognised in the @senedd.wales again this year. Diolch to @mabonapgwynfor.bsky.social for tabling a statement of opinion supporting OTs, the benefits of prevention focused care and #RightTimeOT
042
RCOT Policy Wales @rcotpolicywales.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Day 4 of #OTWeek25 We're out again at the @welshnhsconfed.bsky.social conference Great to hear the Welsh Govt confirm their commitment to prevention & early intervention. And fascinating discussion with health board leaders in solving the challenges to moving to community care. #RightTimeOT
040