Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 11hOur 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. 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 02/10/2026At 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 021
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Stronger 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 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 30/09/2026The 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: bit.ly/4yQUIuz #KeepBritainWorkingReview #KBWR #OccupationalTherapy 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 28/09/2026A 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. 👇 bit.ly/4d4ao5n 001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/09/2026This 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 👉 bit.ly/4c9Qi9n 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 22/09/2026We 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. 👏 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 10/09/2026Amy 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 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 31/08/2026What'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 011
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 28/08/2026A 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. 👉 bit.ly/3SyayKX bit.lyLeading through curiosity – Eleanor Corbett’s advanced practice journey – Career Conversations PodcaIn 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... 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 27/08/2026Nature 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. 🌿 bit.ly/4g7IZ4e bit.lyOtterly Brilliant: Occupational Therapy Supporting Nature-Based Health Delivery and Site ImprovementsBy 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... 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 19/08/2026The 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 👉 bit.ly/43eMSgB 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 18/08/2026A 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! 🙌 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 17/08/2026Working 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 👉 bit.ly/4hZ6QEv 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 04/08/2026Participation 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 👉 bit.ly/4wBKspl 001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 04/08/2026Participation 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 👉 bit.ly/4wBKspl 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 31/07/2026Members 📢 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 🗞️ 👉 bit.ly/4fFbuop 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 17/06/2026A 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 📅 bit.ly/4ovX9yx 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 16/06/2026Different 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: bit.ly/4wmH4yJ 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 12/06/2026RCOT 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 100
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 09/06/2026This 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] 001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Hi Irene, our governance team would be best placed to share the details of the minutes. Please reach out to hello@rcot.co.uk to be put in touch with them. Thank you! 100
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 26/05/2026Meet 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. 🔗 bit.ly/4wmH4yJ 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 14/05/2026Meet 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 bit.ly/3QPSpqK 011
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 30/04/2026More 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 ➡️ bit.ly/4cT51F4 001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 23/04/2026Employers 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
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 21/04/2026Thank you for your comment and attention to detail. The minutes are a reflection of what was discussed at the meeting so they can’t be changed. However, we’ve noted your comment and we’ll make a note of the accurate positioning as part of AOB at the next meeting. 100
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 14/04/2026When 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 ➡️ bit.ly/47gYBO4 001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 14/04/2026We are sorry to see you go and thank you for all that you have done for the profession, enjoy this next stage of your life. 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 25/03/2026Say 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 031
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 17/03/2026Occupational 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 👉 bit.ly/4tJ5nFWbit.lyHow occupational therapists’ role in schools is changingIt 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... 001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 13/03/2026Gary and Odeth visited OTs across Northern Ireland last week, hearing directly about the pressures teams are facing and the impact OT-led services are making. Their reflections are now live: bit.ly/4s02uzh 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 06/03/2026Good 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. 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 05/03/2026Youth 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 👉 bit.ly/4sa7yR8bit.lyWhy occupational therapists are essential to tackling rising youth unemploymentWe've submitted evidence to the Alan Milburn Review on youth unemployment, setting out why occupational therapists must be part of the solution. 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 04/03/2026Plans 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. 🔗 bit.ly/3N7kqZotes.comNew ‘experts at hand’ won’t arrive fast enough, DfE warnedProfessional bodies back bigger roles in schools for educational psychologists, occupational and speech and language therapists - but say they already struggle to meet demand 001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 27/02/2026OTs 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 👉 bit.ly/3P2WgzObit.lyGood news for the AHP workforceA new All-Party Parliamentary Group for Allied Health Professionals has been registered. 011
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 27/02/2026Our new restrictive equipment guidance is now live. 📣 Practical support to help Occupational Therapists make safe, ethical decisions. Download your copy here: 🔗 bit.ly/48KrF09 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 26/02/2026Gary 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 👉 bit.ly/4tJ54e7 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 25/02/2026Independent 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 👉 bit.ly/4rK9Abb 000
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/02/2026🏳️🌈 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. 🔗 bit.ly/4b7PLV1 020
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/02/2026🏳️🌈 LGBTQIA+ History Month Niall Kirrane reflects on activism through an occupational lens and how everyday actions shape social change in occupational therapy. 📹 bit.ly/4b7PLV1 Explore more LGBTQIA+ History Month content in our Communities space where members share ideas and experiences. 001
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 24/02/2026Children 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. 🔗 bit.ly/3MGWgVG 012
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 20/02/2026Mandy 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: bit.ly/4b8W6Ag 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 19/02/2026Thank you for flagging this, Irene. We will look into making a nomination. 010
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 17/02/2026WFOT 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. 031
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 13/02/2026Gary’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 052
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 13/02/2026Did 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? 💬 033
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 12/02/2026We 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 👉 bit.ly/4tqBDNK 011
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 11/02/2026Strong 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 061
Royal College of Occupational Therapists @thercot.bsky.social · 09/02/2026OT 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 bit.ly/49Yr1OC 075