Latest news
All the latest news about occupational therapy and RCOT, including updates on new resources, benefits and activities, press releases and public health policy and regulations
Latest news and articles
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Launching Early Researcher and Early Innovator Prizes 2026
By: RCOT
19 May, 2026
Nominations are now open for the RCOT Early Researcher and Early Innovator Prizes 2026, recognising outstanding final-year occupational therapy research and service improvement projects. Submit your nomination by 28 June to celebrate emerging talent.
Council elections 2026: voting is now open
By: RCOT/BAOT
19 May, 2026
Council elections 2026 are now open – vote to shape BAOT and RCOT leadership, with voting closing on 23 June 2026. Learn how to vote, explore candidate information, and find out how the AGM and election outcomes impact members.
Seeing the whole picture: what my dual lens taught me about black inclusion in occupational therapy
By: Karlene Ruddock MSc
15 May, 2026
Karlene Ruddock, a dual-registered occupational therapist and social worker, shares her passion for improving access to culturally responsive perinatal mental health support for Black mothers.
RCOT comment on DHSC mental health strategy
By: RCOT
15 May, 2026
Head of Policy and Practice, Joe Brunwin, reacts to the new mental health strategy announced by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Networks that listen, support and encourage
By: Christopher Edge
13 May, 2026
In this reflective blog, Christopher Edge draws on experience from secure services, academia and voluntary leadership to explore the complexity of mental health occupational therapy. Highlighting the importance of reflection, professional networks and theory‑informed assessment, the piece examines how staying connected to occupation, evidence and each other helps therapists navigate busy, pressured services.
Sharing my occupational identity
By: Dr Blaine Robin
13 May, 2026
Dr. Blaine Robin reflects on his occupational identity during Black Inclusion Week.
Council proposal on membership fees – what it means and your FAQs
By: RCOT
11 May, 2026
Council is proposing a small change to RCOT membership fees, to be voted on at the BAOT AGM on 25 June 2026. Read the rationale, what’s changing by membership type and the FAQs.
Advanced practice must be clearly defined and valued to ensure safe care
By: RCOT
11 May, 2026
Karin Orman, Director of Practice, Innovation and Advocacy, responds to debate around the role of advanced practitioners.
Election results were a historic day for Welsh devolution
By: Paul Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales
11 May, 2026
Paul Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales, reflects on what the Welsh election results mean for occupational therapists.
SNP returned as the largest party at Holyrood – what does this mean for occupational therapists in Scotland?
By: Katie MacGregor, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Scotland
11 May, 2026
Katie MacGregor, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Scotland, reflects on the Scottish election result.
The soil of our doing: shifting from equality to equity
By: Lily Owens-Atkins MA Ed., BSc OT
11 May, 2026
In this piece for Black Inclusion Week, Lily Owens-Atkins reflects on why occupational therapy must move beyond ‘equality’ measures and commit to equity.
Updates from our Policy and Practice Team – April 2026
By: Your Policy and Practice Team
06 May, 2026
Our April policy and influencing highlights show how we’re keeping occupational therapy visible across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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