Our influencing priorities in Cymru/Wales

Leading campaigns and influencing policy

Working in partnership with occupational therapists across Wales, we aim to maximise representation and promote the profession at every level.

We lead campaigns and influence national policy and legislation, building relationships with Members of the Senedd (MSs), the Welsh Government, Local Authorities and the Welsh NHS.

We support occupational therapists to advocate for their services locally, providing strategic advice and practical resources.

Our work is shaped by feedback and input from members.

Manifesto for Welsh Parliament Election

Ahead of the 2026 Welsh Parliament Elections, we've developed 5 key asks for the next Welsh Government. These asks reflect our key priorities which will strengthen occupational therapy and help Wales to overcome their health and social care challenges. The next Welsh Government must:

Embed OTs in every cluster
Transform workforce planning
Prevention & early intervention first
End inconsistent provision
Open leadership pathways

Visit our manifesto minisite

Read our full manifesto (PDF, 2.03MB)

Your policy and public affairs lead

Paul Smith, Policy and Public Affairs Lead for Wales

Paul is responsible for the RCOT's policy and public affairs activities in Wales, engaging with Occupational Therapists across the country and telling their stories to key stakeholders including Welsh Ministers, MSs and local authorities to enact change.

With over 10 years of experience in Welsh politics, including in the Senedd as the Chief of the Staff to the Official Opposition, Paul works closely with policymakers to provide a strong voice for OTs in supporting RCOT's focus on improving preventative care and early intervention.

Interested in learning more about our work in Wales? Contact Paul on [email protected].

Campaigns and media

AHPF Cymru represents 15 of the Allied Health Profession in Wales, which collectively make up a third of the Welsh NHS workforce. Together we speak as united voice to Welsh Government and the Welsh NHS on issues that matter to our respective members.

Welsh NHS Confederation Health and Wellbeing Alliance brings together over fifty organisations from the Welsh NHS, local government, healthcare, social care, the royal colleges and the professions. Together we are a collaborative independent voice which seeks to address issues affecting our members.

Meet an OT seeks to engage RCOT Members with Members of the Senedd (MSs) through a day in the life of an OT, showing first hand the benefits of occupational therapy in improving people’s lives.

Consultation responses

We respond to policy and regulatory consultations from a variety of organisations — including government departments, the Senedd, 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 consultation responses

Workforce Strategy action plan

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 will have an occupational therapy workforce that is:

confident and skilled in championing inclusion and advocating for occupational justice, focusing on the right of every person to have the choice and opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities and roles
based primarily within communities working closely with local populations to meet their health and care needs and ensuring that services are accessible to everyone
positioned to focus on prevention and early interventions, minimising the need for crisis interventions and dependency on care services
putting occupations at the forefront of their practice, empowering people to do the occupations that they value, manage their health and care needs and contribute to society.

Read more about our specific aims for Wales in our Welsh action plan.

Workforce Strategy in Cymraeg

Workforce Strategy in English

Who should I influence in Wales?

Useful links

RCOT Communities is where you can connect, share, and learn with diverse members based on your nation, practice area, career level or professional interests.

All members with a Wales registered address are a member of the Wales network. On RCOT Communities, you can join the Wales Network, as part of your RCOT membership benefits, along with a range of other professional and practice networks. The Wales network offers members a valuable space to share learning, foster professional connections, and shape the future of occupational therapy together.

The Innovation Hub is an open network for curious minds. Whether you have a new idea, a fresh perspective on the provision of occupational therapy or you've developed your own solution, we're here to support you.

RCOT Cymru/Wales BlueSky account