Independent practice and the direction ahead
First-year anniversary reflections from Jou Yin Teoh, RCOT Professional Advisor for Independent Practice
One year on from starting my role as Professional Advisor for Independent Practice, this feels like a timely moment to reflect on what the role has involved and what it has revealed about how independent practice sits within our profession.
Independent practice is often described as an individual career choice. In reality, it is a growing and increasingly complex part of the occupational therapy workforce. It spans both private and third‑sectors, encompasses a wide range of roles including portfolio and associate roles, as well as intersects with statutory services in increasingly significant ways that are not always visible.
Nonetheless, independent practice has historically been addressed at RCOT through individual enquiries, time‑limited initiatives, or isolated pieces of work, rather than through a sustained, coordinated approach.
Recognising independent practice as a growing workforce
Over the past year, much of my work has been focused on professional infrastructure rather than individual support. This has involved listening to a wide range of practitioners, identifying recurring issues, and translating those insights into organisation‑level work. It has also meant connecting areas of RCOT that previously engaged with independent practice separately so that members encounter a more consistent and joined‑up approach, including Communities, the professional advisory service, learning and development, and public‑facing resources.
Another key aspect of the role has been clarifying boundaries: defining the scope and breadth of independent practice, who can do what, under which conditions, and where responsibility begins and ends. Independent practice sits at the intersection of professional standards, workforce planning, public protection and business realities i.e., financial constraints, sustainability, capacity, and operational pressures.
My role has been to improve consistency in how independent practice is represented. This approach supports a shift in positioning, from independent practice as a niche interest to independent practice as a core workforce consideration.
Over the past year, some important progress has started to take hold
‘I’ve seen a shift in information coming from RCOT that seems to include independent practice, that is very welcome.’ (Kirsteen Chassels, Independent Practice Lead for Scotland and founder of Activate OT Ltd)
Independent practice is now more clearly located within RCOT’s structures. There is greater shared understanding of how practitioners at different stages of their careers can be supported. Foundations are being laid for clearer public information and more considered engagement with those who influence how occupational therapy is accessed and delivered. As RCOT develops its new corporate strategy, there is a timely opportunity for the profession to reflect on what it needs to remain credible, responsive and inclusive in the years ahead.
How you can get involved
We are now holding a series of events for RCOT members to help shape the next corporate strategy. If you recognise the long-term value of independent practice to the advancement of occupational therapy, now is the time to say so.
Member discussions about RCOT’s corporate strategy are ongoing. Please see the Shape Our Strategy page for more details on both live calls and events on RCOT Communities, and share your thoughts on how we can:
- support occupational therapists working across different models of delivery?
- ensure clarity and consistency as the workforce continues to diversify?
These are not only questions for those working independently. Independent practice affects how occupational therapy is perceived, accessed and valued, by the public, by commissioners and by partners across systems. Sustained professional leadership in this area is therefore about the future of our profession.
We are keen to hear your thoughts, please share them here.