Revised Professional standards published for a changing world

We’ve streamlined and modernised the Standards to make them easier to read and use in practice.

The revised structure aligns more closely with the HCPC Standards of conduct, performance and ethics, helping members read the two documents alongside each other.

The revised Standards further embed equity, diversity and belonging throughout.

They include clearer expectations around creating inclusive environments, challenging inequity, discrimination and injustice and recognising systemic bias.

The Standards include new guidance on the responsible use of AI.

Practitioners are expected to understand how AI systems generate outputs, recognise the potential for errors and bias, protect confidentiality, use AI transparently and take responsibility for decisions made in practice.

Practitioners are also expected to keep their digital skills up to date. This means understanding the scope, benefits and potential impact of emerging digital technologies, so they can make effective, safe and appropriate use of what is available within their role and setting.

The Standards make clear that the same expectations of professionalism, confidentiality, accountability and respect apply online as they do in person. This includes how practitioners use digital platforms, media-sharing networks and social networking sites, whether in work-related spaces or in public online settings.

Practitioners are expected to reflect on and take responsibility for how they present themselves online, including through words, images and the information they share.

Environmental sustainability is now more clearly recognised as a professional responsibility.

The Standards highlight the need to consider sustainability in everyday practice, including clinical decisions, equipment, service delivery, transport, travel and the use of energy and resources. 

The revised Standards reinforce person-centred and occupation-focused practice as core foundations of occupational therapy. They also make clearer links to occupational preferences, valued roles and the environments that matter to people. 

Yes – you can order a print copy by filling in our order form. These are charged at £10 per copy, including postage.

We believe the Standards are relevant to all occupational therapists, occupational therapy support workers, learners, educators, employers and others involved in occupational therapy across the UK OT workforce.

We review the Standards every five years so they remain relevant to current practice and continue to reflect the expectations of the professional body. Regular review helps make sure they respond to changes in practice, policy, professional expectations and the wider health and care landscape. 

The final revised Standards are not significantly different from the draft version we shared for consultation in October 2025.

Feedback from members and stakeholders helped us refine the final version and make sure the Standards are clear, practical and useful in different roles and settings.

The main changes include:

• a stronger structural alignment with the HCPC Standards of conduct, performance and ethics
• a greater emphasis on equity, diversity and belonging
• additional guidance on digital professionalism, environmental sustainability, responsible use of AI and interprofessional working.

The revised Standards have been structured to align more closely with the HCPC Standards of conduct, performance and ethics, so the two documents can be read more easily side by side. They support professional judgement and help registered occupational therapists meet HCPC registration requirements.

No. While the Standards support registered occupational therapists to meet HCPC requirements, they are intended to be useful across the whole occupational therapy workforce. This includes occupational therapy support workers, learners, apprentices, educators, employers and wider stakeholders.

Equity, diversity and belonging (EDB) are central to safe, effective and inclusive occupational therapy practice. The revised Standards strengthen expectations around creating inclusive environments, challenging inequity, discrimination and injustice and recognising systemic bias.

AI is increasingly part of health, care, education and workplace practice. The revised Standards include guidance to help practitioners use AI responsibly, transparently and safely, including recognising errors and bias, protecting confidentiality and taking responsibility for professional decisions.

Environmental sustainability is recognised as a professional responsibility. The revised Standards encourage practitioners to consider sustainability in everyday practice, including treatment options, equipment, service delivery, transport, travel and use of energy and resources.

Yes, we are working to produce resources so you can monitor, implement and develop your practice in line with the Standards. 

 You can read and download the revised Professional standards for practice, conduct and ethics on our core Professional standards page.

Read the Professional standards for practice, conduct and ethics

If you have a question about the revised Standards, contact RCOT at [email protected]