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

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

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

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

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.

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

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? 💬

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

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

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’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 🙌

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

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

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

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

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: https://bit.ly/4jju4Uw

Let's start 2026 by sharing inspiration with each other. What are your goals for 2026?

Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating. We’re wishing you moments of warmth, joy and connection. 🎄

Out now - Your December 25/January 26 OTnews issue 👉🏼 https://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.]

We won't be monitoring our social channels during the festive period – 2pm on Wednesday, 24 December 2025 to 9am on Friday, 2 January 2026. If you send us a message during that time, we’ll get back to you in the new year. 💚

This has been a wonderful project - working with practice educators, placement coordinators, learners & schools to develop guidance for the successful delivery of school-based placements. Introducing more learners to the wonderful world of school-based OT practice! Download link below ⬇️

More teams are turning to school-based OT placements - so we’ve created a guide to make it easier. It’s full of real examples and simple steps for clinicians, educators and learners. 📘 Download your copy https://bit.ly/4akCk4e

Calling all OT learners and early-career OTs 👋 Join us on 21 January for a virtual session designed to help you feel confident, connected and supported throughout studies and in your career. Member or not, register here 🔗 https://bit.ly/4pZhbkP

To everyone marking the Festival of Lights, we wish you warmth, joy and peace 🕎 Supporting people to take part in the traditions that matter to them is a vital part of meaningful occupational therapy. Hanukkah sameach ✨

Our November policy work included launching our Right Support, Right Time campaign, meeting policymakers across the UK to share OT insight and much more. Learn more 👉 https://bit.ly/48sQFug

What are the ethical considerations when recommending equipment or adaptations that might limit a child or young person’s movement? This guidance explores how to balance safety, independence and participation while making decisions that protect rights and promote wellbeing. https://bit.ly/49QlkCK

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: https://loom.ly/05IIkUs

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: https://loom.ly/uGfsqsI

We see the challenges our members in Higher Education are facing and we stand with you. Redundancies and job insecurity threaten the future of occupational therapy education and research. Read our full statement and find out how to get support: https://loom.ly/Oz5qxak

Happy faces all round from us at the end of the OT Show. It means a lot to us to connect with you face to face and to hear what you need to help us shape what we do next for you. Thanks for a great couple of days 💚

What a great first day at the OT Show yesterday. We can't wait to chat to even more of you today. Come and see us at 📍stand B40. 💚 You can also catch our sessions on professional growth and influencing housing policy 👉🏼 https://loom.ly/uIj_hXI

We’re at the OT Show – come and see us! 📍 Stand B40 Chat with us about how RCOT supports you and your practice and catch our sessions on tech, professional growth and influencing housing policy. We’d love to hear from you. 💚