Policy and influencing

Our vision is for an expanded occupational therapy workforce – positioned to have maximum impact in improving people’s health and quality of life. 

By 2035, we’ll have an occupational therapist workforce that is: 

• Confident and skilled in championing inclusion
• Based primarily within communities working with local populations to meet their health and care needs
• Positioned to focus on prevention and early interventions

• Putting occupations at the forefront of their practice

   

Working with occupational therapists, we influence governments and decision-makers across the UK to get to that vision. 

Read our Workforce Strategy and action plans for across the UK

How we influence national policy in Wales

How we influence national policy in Northern Ireland

How we influence national policy in Scotland

Community Rehabilitation Alliance – In England, we’re an active member of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance, a coalition of over 65 charities and professional bodies committed to improving access to high-quality, person-centered rehabilitation. The Alliance advocates for strategic leadership in rehabilitation within Integrated Care Boards and supports the NHS’s ambitions around prevention, personalised care, and tackling health inequalities.

Prescribing Now – We are part of the #PrescribingNow campaign, calling on the UK Government to extend independent prescribing responsibilities to occupational therapists and other allied health professionals. This change would improve patient care, reduce pressure on GPs, and support professional development. 

Allied Health Professions Federation (AHPF) – RCOT is a founding member of the AHPF, which provides collective leadership and representation for 14 allied health professions. The AHPF influences national policy and promotes the transformative potential of AHPs in public health, prevention, and workforce development.   

Health Policy Influencing Group – In England, we contribute to the Health Policy Influencing Group, working with stakeholders across health and social care to ensure occupational therapy is central to system change. This includes responding to consultations, shaping frameworks, and advocating for improved access to services.      

We respond to policy and regulatory consultations from a variety of organisations — including government departments, health bodies, professional regulators, and other key stakeholders — to make sure the voice of occupational therapy is heard where decisions are made.

Explore our previous consultations 

Occupational therapists across the UK are driving change in health and social care every day. Whether you’re influencing locally, contributing to national conversations, or sharing your expertise, your voice matters. 

We’re here to support you in becoming a changemaker – advocating for the profession, shaping policy and improving lives. 

Want to connect with others and shape the future of occupational therapy?

Join RCOT Communities – a space where you can collaborate and get involved in campaigns and influencing work relevant to your areas of practice.

We want to hear about what you do, and the real impact it's having in improving people's lives and delivery of services.   

By sharing your initiative, you’ll be helping us:
•    Promote the value of occupational therapy in national campaigns
•    Influence change across health and social care systems

Innovation Hub

Our Innovation Hub is a service for members seeking support to improve, innovate, and share learning in occupational therapy. Members can access the Hub by submitting an improvement journey and selecting the type of support they need. 

The hub also offers a networking space where the occupational therapy workforce can connect, collaborate, and learn together about leading change.

You can join our network and explore the improvement database through the RCOT Communities platform.

Case Study Form

A place to showcase good practice in occupational therapy, whether it’s a service model or an individual case. Share what’s working well so we can shout about this in our influencing work, or for your colleagues to advocate for the profession.