The people shaping occupational therapy in Scotland
Listening to your experiences gives us the insight we need to focus our influencing
By Gary Waltham, CEO, with reflections from Odeth Richardson, Chair of Board of Trustees
Earlier this month, Odeth and I spent two days in Edinburgh and Glasgow meeting occupational therapists, joined by Neil Carnegie, Council representative for Scotland, and Katie MacGregor, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Scotland. Listening to your experiences gives us the insight we need to focus our influencing on the issues that matter most to you.
While we were there, we also launched our manifesto for the next Scottish Government. It sets out the changes that OTs across Scotland want to see and it reflects many of the conversations we had during the visit.
Scotland’s health and social care system is under real pressure. Demand is rising fast and teams are stretched. Yet everywhere we went, we saw the same thing: skilled, creative and determined OTs making a real difference to people’s lives.
Our Scotland work runs all year round. It is led locally by Katie, who makes sure your voices reach national partners and the Scottish Government.
Day 1: Edinburgh
Specialist rehabilitation at Astley Ainslie Hospital
We began at Astley Ainslie Hospital, meeting teams supporting people with stroke, acquired brain injury, neurological conditions and limb loss. Their approach to vocational rehabilitation stood out. They enable people to stay in work or return to it during some of the toughest moments in their lives. It was really valuable to see their vocational assessment workshop and get a clearer sense of how they deliver their services.
Odeth put it perfectly: ‘Their expertise is incredible. But the pressure they’re under is huge. They need investment, recognition and space to breathe.’
Neil Carnegie, Odeth Richardson, Emma Barnes and Gary Waltham
SMART Centre
At the SMART Centre, we saw how technology, seating services, prosthetics and national driving assessments open up new possibilities for independence. Being able to try out some of the equipment and technology brought home the power of OT led innovation.
Sarah Sutton - OT Team Lead at SMART Centre showing Gary some of their tech
Across both services the message was clear: demand is growing, complexity is rising, and workforce shortages are hitting hard.
Children and Young People’s (CYP) Services at Musselburgh Primary Care Centre
At Musselburgh, CYP teams talked openly about rising referrals and growing complexity. Yet the room was full of energy and creativity. Their work with The Yard and their parent advice line showed how they adapt when resources are tight and keep families at the centre of their practice.
CYP OT teams across Scotland have made real progress through the Ready to Act guidance, and the Lothian team are building on this with confidence and ambition.
We also had an excellent conversation to share ideas of how RCOT can improve its offering to members.
Gary and Odeth with members working in CYP services across Lothian
Discussion with Scotland’s Chief AHP Officer
We ended the day at St Andrew’s House with Carolyn McDonald. We talked about workforce challenges, the renewal of health and social care, and the role of OTs in mental health and neurodevelopmental support. Carolyn and her team highlighted the strong work coming from the primary care OT network and the progress being made to secure rehabilitation within the service renewal framework.
This meeting was an important step in strengthening our relationship with the Scottish Government and making sure members’ priorities continue to shape national discussions.
Carolyn, Odeth and Gary (left to right)
Day two: Glasgow
Weekday Wow Factor
We started the day at Weekday Wow Factor, an OT-led organisation that uses creative, community focused activities to keep people active and connected. The joy in the room was infectious. Two lifelong friends told us how the sessions help them stay independent and stay connected.
The mix of daytime discos, Tai Chi and minibus adventures creates real moments of confidence, connection and enjoyment. Spending time with people and seeing the difference these activities make was a highlight of the visit, especially hearing how those two friends have been able to share meaningful time together.
Gary, Odeth, Neil, Joan Philipsz, Pasna Sallis and Carolyn Hay (left to right)
Integrated local authority OT at Eastwood Health Centre
At Eastwood, integrated local authority OTs showed the impact they have on keeping people well at home. We heard about Fiona Gibson’s project to support care home staff working with people living with dementia. It led to a 55% reduction in antipsychotic medication, a huge benefit for individuals and the wider system.
As Odeth said: ‘These teams are the backbone of prevention. They keep people safe and independent. Their voices must shape national decisions.’
Preparing the workforce of the future at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
We ended our visit at Glasgow Caledonian University, where the team shared how they are adapting their teaching, placement models and support for learners to reflect the current environment. Their commitment to preparing the next generation of OTs was clear and encouraging. It was also great to meet Lisa Forrest, Scotland’s regional lead. You can join her in the Scotland network through Communities.
Gary and Odeth with teaching staff from GCU OT team
What we heard across Scotland
Across every service and conversation, the same themes came through:
- Workforce pressures are the biggest challenge.
- Demand and complexity are rising, especially in community and CYP services.
- Variation across Scotland affects access and outcomes.
- OT led innovation is strong and growing, especially in community and third sector settings.
- Education, placements and early career support need strengthening.
- Preventative OT is powerful but under resourced.
Members also shared honest feedback about how we can support you better, including in person engagement and how we use RCOT Communities. This feedback will help shape our future strategic direction.
Looking ahead
We met OTs, educators and leaders who gave their time generously and spoke with honesty and pride. As Odeth reflected: 'Scotland’s OTs are committed, creative and resilient. Their voices will shape the future of the profession.’
This visit is the first of many. I’ll be visiting Wales, Northern Ireland and England next – and returning to Scotland later this year.
Your insight shapes our priorities and strengthens our influencing. It ensures we champion the profession with credibility.
Read our Scottish Manifesto
Read the latest Scotland updates