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Wales/Cymru policy and public affairs update

By: Paul Smith – Policy and Public Affairs Lead (Wales) 05 May, 2026 Blog 7+ minute read

April update – Considering voting as an occupation, promoting our open letter and getting ready for the new Senedd

While the Senedd elections meant our usual political engagement was paused this month, we stayed busy building momentum through our open letter campaign and preparing for post‑election influencing.

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Paul smith with the All-Wales Paediatric OT network away day in Llanelwedd

The elections have meant that I’ve been able to meet up with more members. It was great to attend the All-Wales Paediatric OT network away day in Llanelwedd – seeing what the showground is like when it isn’t the Royal Welsh.  

Keep up to date with the latest policy news by following the RCOT Wales Policy Bluesky account and joining the RCOT Wales Communities discussion – don’t forget to download the app so you can access the RCOT Communities platform anywhere.

Helping people to vote confidently this week  

The deadlines for voting by post or setting up a proxy have passed however, people may still be able to apply for a ‘medical emergency proxy’ which can be applied for up till 5pm on polling day itself.  

Voting is a vital occupation that everyone should be enabled to take part in. We’ve pulled together some information on how OTs can make that happen, ensuring everyone can take part in democracy and exercise their voice.  

You can find our guide online at rcot.co.uk/voting  

We’ve also started a discussion on Communities around how making a ‘plan to vote’ can give people the confidence to vote in person and help them overcome obstacles.  

Join in the 'plan to vote' conversation 

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Welsh members drop-in 

Don’t forget to come along to our next quarterly drop-in session on Wednesday 8th July.

Sign-up for this informal chat

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