Receipt of petition from UKHPRC

Representatives of the Allied Healthcare Professionals arm of UK Healthcare Petitions to Royal Colleges (UKHPRC) visited our office on 24 September 2025 to hand in a letter and petition calling for a clear and public stance on the conflict in Gaza. We met with them during the visit and received the petition in person. 

The petition was discussed in depth at the October meeting of our Board of Trustees. Trustees took time to consider the issues raised, the context of the petition and the wider views shared by members over time. There was a consensus not to change the position previously agreed. The Board reaffirmed our stance on how we respond to global conflicts and geopolitical events. 

Our focus is on supporting members affected by such events. We believe this is where we can make a meaningful difference. It's not our role to comment on or make political statements about global conflicts. Our responsibility is to respond in ways that are human, compassionate and aligned with our values – by offering support to members and creating space for people to share what matters to them. 

We stand in solidarity with the global occupational therapy community and echo the WFOT’s call for the protection of occupational therapists and access to humanitarian aid. We recognise the profound impact of conflict and crisis on individuals, families and communities, and support efforts to ensure safe, equitable access to health and rehabilitation services. 

We remain committed to supporting members through: 

• EDB reflection sessions and insight events 

• Access to wellbeing support and the Professional Advisory Service 

• Listening to members and responding to individual and group concerns 

We’ve offered to meet with representatives of UKHPRC to continue the conversation and share more about how we’re supporting the occupational therapy community. 

Original news story

Representatives of the Allied Healthcare Professionals arm of UK Healthcare Petitions to Royal Colleges (UKHPRC) visited our office today, 24 September, to hand in a letter and petition calling for a clear and public stance on the conflict in Gaza. We met with them during the visit and received the letter and petition in person. 

We’re taking time to look at what’s been shared and we’ll respond in line with our values and responsibilities to members. 

We’re here to listen and engage with different views, and we’ll keep focusing on how we support members and the wider occupational therapy community. 

The petition will be discussed at the October meeting of the Board of Trustees.