2026 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture

Sue is an occupational therapist, educator and author recognised internationally for her contributions to the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) and the development of occupation‑focused practice. She’s best known for creating the Model of Human Occupation Screening Tool (MOHOST) which has been translated into 18 languages and for authoring the widely used textbook ‘A Guide to the Formulation of Plans and Goals in Occupational Therapy’, including her practical TICKS framework for writing measurable occupational goals.

She trained at the College of Ripon and York St John and built her early career in mental health services in Scarborough and Chesterfield. Sue later became the Practice Development Adviser for occupational therapists at Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust where she supported practitioners to strengthen their occupation‑centred, evidence‑based approach.

Since 2003 Sue has worked extensively as a freelance trainer delivering workshops, keynote talks and teaching sessions across the UK and Ireland, as well as in Australia, Finland, South America, Uganda and the USA.

Sue developed the ‘Recovery through Activity’ intervention programme – now in its second edition and translated into German, Italian and French alongside its companion handbook ‘Discovery through Activity’.

She has delivered numerous workshops for RCOT, published articles in OTnews and the British Journal of Occupational Therapy, and contributed to the profession through roles such as BJOT reviewer, HCPC Fitness to Practice panel member, AOTMH representative, and RCOT Conference Committee member.

Although Sue’s retired from full‑time training she continues to play an active role in the profession. And is currently developing a new programme ‘Maintaining Our Health through Occupation’ to be published in 2026. Designed for clinical practice and education it explores key MOHO concepts and supports individuals and groups to reflect on how occupation underpins health and wellbeing.
 

Sue was nominated by Laura Di Bona, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at Sheffield Hallam University and chosen by our Council. On making their choice, they said: 

‘Council were very impressed with the outstanding field of nominations – as only eminent members of the profession are put forward for our Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture. We really value the perspectives and expertise of all the nominees, however, only one person can be selected each year.’

Following the 2026 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture, Sue Parkinson encouraged us to rethink how we understand complexity in occupational therapy through her inspiring talk: ‘Simplicity and occupational therapy: managing complexity and promoting sustainability.’ 

Occupational therapy is often described as a complex intervention. This year’s lecture highlighted one of our greatest strengths – the ability to simplify.

Occupational therapists break down tasks, routines and activities to help people manage complex situations and sustain what matters to them. Drawing on her career in practice, education and resource development, Sue shared how this strength underpins effective occupational therapy and supports meaningful outcomes for the people we work with.

Sue also challenged us to apply this thinking to our own practice. She encouraged us to find ways to manage the complexity of the occupational therapy process while keeping our approach clear, focused and sustainable. Through practical examples, she demonstrated how simple, well-designed resources can support effective assessment, planning and intervention.
 

The lecture is a memorial to Elizabeth Casson (1881–1954) in honour of her contributions to the profession of occupational therapy. The first woman to be awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Bristol in 1929, Elizabeth Casson specialised in psychiatry and introduced occupational therapy to England, setting up the first school of occupational therapy, Dorset House, in Bristol. 

We award the lectureship to an RCOT member whose peers consider them to have made and be making a significant contribution to the profession’s development. 

It is open to members and non-members and encourage you to invite friends and those interested in occupational therapy. 

See our previous Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture speakers.