Public contributor recruitment
New public contributor recruitment opportunities
Jan 2026
We want people with a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds to be at the heart of what we do. We have opportunities for four people with lived experience of occupational therapy to contribute to our work. We’re looking for two people to join our Research and Innovation Fund Panel and two people to join our Innovation and Improvement Seed Fund Panel.
Join our Research and Innovation Fund Panel
The RCOT Research and Innovation Fund gives money to RCOT members to do research that benefits occupational therapy and the people it helps.
The Panel recommends which RCOT members should receive research grants. The Panel is made up of RCOT colleagues, occupational therapists, other health professionals with research experience and two people with lived experience of engaging with occupational therapy. Each person is normally part of the Panel for three years, though you could observe the process in 2026 and then participate fully in the three years following (2027, 2028 and 2029).
You’d make sure that the views of people with lived experience of physical and mental health conditions, their families and carers and their communities are considered when deciding which researchers should receive grants.
You’ll need to attend one meeting per year, usually in early June. Meetings are online via Teams or Zoom, and usually take between three and four hours with breaks. You’ll need to do some preparation before the meeting, including reading specific sections of applications. We’ll compensate you for your time and cover reasonable expenses.
If you are interested in this role, please see our role description for further information, including the skills and experience you’d need.
Please contact Research and Development Officer Angie Thompson if you have any questions or would like to discuss the role: [email protected]
Think the role is right for you?
If you think the role is right for you, you’ll need to complete the self-nomination form and send it to [email protected] by 20 February 2026.
You can fill the form in yourself, or you can give your answers verbally and we’ll fill in the form for you. To complete the form verbally, please contact Angie Thompson on 0203 141 4615.
Download the self-nomination form
We’ll contact you with the outcome by mid-March 2026.
Join our Innovation and Improvement Seed Fund Panel
The RCOT Innovation and Improvement Seed Fund gives money to RCOT members for them try out new ideas to improve their services. These small projects help show what works, provide evidence for future plans and may improve services for everyone. RCOT members can apply for up to £2,000 to fund something new or bring in something that’s worked well elsewhere.
The Panel helps to decide which applications should receive funding. It is made up of RCOT colleagues, occupational therapists and two people with lived experience of occupational therapy. You’d make sure that the views of people with lived experience of physical and mental health conditions, their families and carers and their communities are considered when deciding which innovators should receive funding.
You’ll need to attend one Panel meeting in mid-May 2026 and possibly another in July 2026 if funds are still available. During the Panel meeting, applicants will pitch their innovation and improvement ideas and the Panel will then ask questions. The Panel meeting will be held via Teams and will likely take between four and five hours, with breaks. You’ll need to do some preparation before the Panel meets. We’ll compensate you for your time and cover reasonable expenses.
If you are interested in this role, please see our role description for further information, including the skills and experience you’d need. Please contact Research and Development Officer Angie Thompson if you have any questions or would like to discuss the role: [email protected]
Think the role is right for you?
If you think the role is right for you, you’ll need to complete the self-nomination form and send it to [email protected] by20 February 2026. You can fill the form in yourself, or you can give your answers verbally and we’ll fill in the form for you. To complete the form verbally, please contact Angie Thompson on 0203 141 4615.
Download the self-nomination form
We’ll contact you with the outcome by mid-March 2026.