Our influencing priorities in Northern Ireland

Right to Rehab Coalition – RCOT Northern Ireland is a member of the Community Rehabilitation Alliance, a collective of health charities and professional bodies who are committed to delivering a Rehabilitation Framework in Northern Ireland. Our aim is to ensure that everyone has access to rehab when needed and people’s needs can be met locally by having the right workforce and professional leadership in place.

AHPFNI – We are also a member of the Allied Health Professions Federation in Northern Ireland. AHPFNI comprises fourteen professional bodies representing 14 Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). AHPFNI provides collective leadership and representation on common issues that impact its members’ professions.

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 consultation responses

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.

   

Northern Ireland's specific action plan (PDF, 2.2MB)

In Northern Ireland you can seek to influence:

• Health and Social Care Trusts
• Members of the legislative Assembly (MLAs)
• Executive Ministers
• Department of Health officials

Read our campaigning resources

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

All members with a Northern Ireland registered address is a member of the Northern Ireland region. On RCOT Communities, you can join the Northern Ireland regional network, as part of your RCOT membership benefits, along with a range of other professional and practice networks. The Northern Ireland regional 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.