Joseph Brunwin, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for England at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, comments on the announcement about social care reforms and an independent commission.

Welcome to the December issue of OTnews!

Congratulations to our members who have received RCOT awards for research or service improvements in 2024!

The occupational therapy (OT) workforce is under huge pressure. Increased demand coupled with workforce shortages is challenging OTs’ capacity to provide essential support to people whose lives are impacted by long-term health conditions and disability.

Our RCOT Carnduff Learner Forum is now the RCOT Carnduff Learner Peer Group

Occupational therapists have an important contribution to make to the health and well-being of women during pregnancy and in the postnatal period. A small (but growing) number of occupational therapists work in specialist services for women who experience mental health issues during or after pregnancy.

Karin Orman, discusses leadership: what it means for occupational therapists and what the College is doing to support members in this area.

Research and Innovation Fund grants for people working in OT research to get funding for their projects.

The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) have launched a quick guide about occupational therapy and the assessment and diagnosis of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in children and adults. The new guide is aimed at occupational therapists, other members of the multidisciplinary team and members of the public.

All OTs must meet these standards to become registered and remain on the HCPC register.