Social care OTs in Westminster representing the profession
RCOT members attended sessions for the Casey Commission on Social Care.
Three occupational therapists have taken part in evidence sessions for the Casey Commission on Social Care, ensuring the profession’s voice is heard at a pivotal moment for reform. Amy Howard, one of RCOT’s Practice Network Leads for Social Care, joined Catherine Greenlaw and Dr Anita Mottram, co-chairs of the Principal OT Network, to share frontline insight and highlight the essential role of occupational therapy in building a stronger, more preventative social care system.
The Commission, chaired by Dame Louise Casey, will have two phases: Phase 1, reporting in 2026, will set out a plan for implementing a National Care Service and recommend medium-term improvements; Phase 2, reporting by 2028, will make longer-term recommendations for the transformation of adult social care.
The sessions have been exploring four areas:
- how to improve access to care and support
- how to stabilise and strengthen the workforce
- how to embed high-quality, preventative, person-centred practice
- what long-term reform should look like nationally and locally.
For occupational therapists working in social care, this is an important moment. The Commission has the potential to shape national policy for years ahead and ensuring a strong OT voice is essential to highlight the profession’s contribution to preventing crisis, supporting independence and enabling people to live well at home.
Speaking about the Commission, Amy, who represented RCOT at the session, said:
It was great to share how occupational therapy can transform the social care experience. During the session we discussed the importance of good-quality, suitable housing for people needing social care – and the many ways OTs support this, from home adaptations to enabling safe transitions. This integration is vital for a system that truly supports independence and wellbeing.
Her comments highlight why this moment matters. The Commission is looking at how to improve access to care, strengthen the workforce and embed preventative, person-centred practice across the system.
Anita highlighted the importance of occupational therapists in delivering the Care Act:
Occupational therapists play a fundamental role in upholding the principles of the Care Act. We enable people to stay independent, protect their wellbeing and prevent needs from escalating long before crisis hits. Social care works best when prevention is at its heart – and OTs are essential to making that a reality every day. We need to showcase that we are the golden thread of social care supporting children and adults working across health, housing and social care sectors.
As the national conversation turns towards long-term reform of social care, the contribution of occupational therapists to social care needs to be heard. We're discussing arranging attendance at an upcoming virtual meeting for members with the Casey Commission. This will give more occupational therapists the chance to share ideas and stories about what makes a good model of future social care.
Have your say: respond to the Commission’s call for evidence
The Commission is currently seeking views from those working in and alongside social care. RCOT will be submitting a detailed response – but individual OT voices matter and will strengthen our collective impact.
If you work in social care, we strongly encourage you to respond to the call for evidence. They are asking for your personal experiences of how the system works today – good and bad – and any ideas about how it can be improved.
You can submit evidence online here:
https://caseycommission.co.uk/contact
The page will stay live until the end of the year but the commission will continue to provide opportunities for you to feedback in the coming years.