UK and England policy and public affairs update
May update – Influencing SEND reform, work and health, system reform and professional leadership
Big changes are taking shape across England – and occupational therapy needs to be part of them.
From SEND reform and work and health pilots to major changes in how the NHS is organised, decisions being made now could have a real impact on how services are designed, funded and delivered.
In these stories, we look at how we're making the case for occupational therapy in the right places, at the right time.
Keep up to date with the latest policy news:
RCOT UK Policy Bluesky account
SEND reform is moving forward and shaping how occupational therapists will work with children and young people
The UK Government’s SEND reforms are progressing, including development of a new Experts at Hand model.
These changes will influence how occupational therapy is accessed in schools and how children with SEND get the support they need earlier.
Our response
We responded to the SEND White Paper consultation this month and are in regular conversation with UK government and NHS England.
This month we also took part in a roundtable with the Health Secretary, James Murray, and the Education Secretary, Bridget Philipson, where we made a clear case for workforce planning and joint commissioning.
We have also challenged the absence of Advanced Practitioner occupational therapy roles in the draft guidance.
We will continue to push for occupational therapy to be positioned as essential within these reforms.
Other key stories
Connect with other OTs across England and the UK on RCOT Communities
RCOT Communities is your space to:
- connect with local professionals
- share resources, news and opportunities
- plan influencing work.