Thank 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.
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
We 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.
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.
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
Gary 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: https://bit.ly/4s02uzh
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.
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
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
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.
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 🙌
