Independent Practice at RCOT

Q: Do I need to be HCPC registered?

You do not need HCPC registration to own an independent practice. However, HCPC registration is necessary to use the protected title of ‘occupational therapist’ in the UK. Occupational therapists must meet professional standards</a> and CPD requirements</a>.

Q: What insurance do I need?

HCPC requires occupational therapists to have appropriate professional indemnity insurance for your work. RCOT membership includes access to insurance</a>, and for guidance on what is covered watch our webinar recordings</a>.

Q: Can I do independent work alongside my NHS role?

Yes, many occupational therapists combine roles. You must ensure your work is clearly separated and that you meet employer and professional requirements.

Q: How do I get supervision if I work alone?

HCPC does not explicitly require occupational therapists to have supervision. Nonetheless, supervision is often the expected way to achieve safe, effective practice as required by regulations. Many independent practitioners arrange peer or external supervision.

Q: How can I be added to the Find an OT directory?

The directory is a public facing tool that enables the public, referrers and other stakeholders to identify independent occupational therapists who are members of RCOT and HCPC registrants. If you'd like to be added, please send us an email at hello@rcot.co.uk.</a>

Occupational therapy practice beyond statutory services

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.

Jump to the practical guidance section

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)

Find an OT Directory - email [email protected] for information on how to be added

Insurance and indemnity information (see webinar recordings) – understand your cover and responsibilities

Not a member yet?

Join RCOT to access member-only resources.

Support for every step of your independent practice journey

Exploring independent practice

Getting started

Already established

Get involved

Occupational therapy in independent practice: practical guidance informed by experience

Independent practice looks different for everyone. We have organised a collection of stories and insights to reflect that.

Explore topics including:

Employment in the independent sector
Portfolio careers
Tools and technology
Sustainable practice
Visibility and professional identity

Read the e-journal

Organisations offering products or services relevant to independent practice can explore commercial partnership opportunities with RCOT.

Our Supplier Directory is the go-to place for RCOT members to quickly find a great range of products and services for all your professional needs.

With gratitude to our sponsors: Accora, PG Mutual, Somek and Associates.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be HCPC registered?

Do I need to change my RCOT membership if I am self-employed?

If you are working independently, including as a sole trader, associate, or through your own limited company, you may benefit from the self-employed membership category.

This category applies only where you are fully self-employed. If you combine independent work with employed roles, full professional membership would be more appropriate. If you are unsure which category applies to you, you can review the options or contact RCOT for advice.

What insurance do I need?

Can I do independent work alongside my NHS role?

What do I need to have in place before I start an independent practice?

You are responsible for setting up your practice safely. This may include contracts, complaints processes, data protection, and record-keeping. RCOT provides guidance and signposting (for members-only) in RCOT Communities Independent Practice Professional Network Resources, but you remain responsible for your own compliance.