Royal College of Occupational Therapists

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

We love these goals, Ruby. Thank you for sharing and best of luck with all of it.

Love the structure of these goals, Sue! We can't wait to hear the lecture.

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.

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

Text reads: Joint research and placement cafe Experiences of marginalised occupational therapy students. 1-2pm Thursday 11 December

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

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'.

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

Thank you for coming along and being a part of it. We're so glad you enjoyed the day 💚

Image says 'News: Our statement of support for members working in higher education'.

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