Independent Practice at RCOT
Independent practice is a growing part of occupational therapy practice in the UK.
It includes all work outside statutory services across private practice and third sectors, and encompasses a variety of roles including practice owners, associates and employment. Additionally, it is very common for occupational therapists to work across sectors and roles via portfolio careers. Many occupational therapists use portfolio working to build flexible, sustainable careers.
Whether you are exploring your options or already established, this page is your starting point.
Join the RCOT Communities Independent Practice Professional Network
What is independent practice?
Independent practice includes all work carried out outside statutory services. This may include employed and self-employed roles in both private and third sectors. It is not a specialism. Independent practitioners work across all areas of occupational therapy.
How is independent practice related to portfolio careers?
A portfolio career combines different roles and income streams. Many occupational therapists use portfolio working to build flexible, sustainable careers that combine different types of employment across a variety of sectors including statutory services, higher education, or independent work.
What RCOT offers
RCOT supports occupational therapists in independent practice through community, professional standards, and learning.
- RCOT Communities Independent Practice Professional Network – connect with peers and share experience (Member-only)
- Professional standards, guidance, and CPD tools – support safe and effective practice
- Learning opportunities for Independent Practice – including structured programmes (Member-only)
Insurance and indemnity information – understand your cover and responsibilities
Not a member yet?
Support for every step of your independent practice journey
Exploring independent practice
You are curious and want to understand what is possible.
- Join the network to connect with others
- Read shared experiences and discussions
- Ask questions in a supportive space
Getting started
You are planning your next step.
- Access learning and development opportunities
- Join structured programmes and peer support
- Build confidence in setting up and working independently
Already established
You are working in independent practice and want to grow.
- Contribute your experience and insight
- Connect with peers across sectors
- Get involved in shaping RCOT’s work
Get involved
Independent practice at RCOT is shaped with members. Participate in the RCOT Communities Independent Practice Professional Network.
- Independent Practice Leads / Community Engagement Coordinators for Independent Practice – support community and development work
- Independent Practice Sounding Board – share feedback and inform future work
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Independent practice looks different for everyone. We have organised a collection of stories and insights to reflect that, with gratitude to our sponsors: [Accora, link: https://accora.care/], [PG Mutual, link:], as well as [Somek and Associates; link: https://www.somek.com/].
Explore topics including:
- Employment in the independent sector
- Portfolio careers
- Tools and technology
- Sustainable practice
- Visibility and professional identity
Organisations offering products or services relevant to independent practice can explore [commercial partnership opportunities with RCOT; link: https://www.rcot.co.uk/support-the-profession/work-with-us/rcot-commercial-partnerships] or list our [supplier directory; link: https://www.rcot.co.uk/supplier-directory].
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