Our influencing priorities in Scotland

Leading campaigns and influencing policy

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

We lead campaigns and influence national policy and legislation, building relationships with MSPs, Scottish Government ministers and civil servants.

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.

Campaigns and media

2026 Holyrood Manifesto (PDF, 2.25MB)

Right to Rehab Coalition – RCOT Scotland is a member of the Right to Rehab Coalition, a collective of health charities and professional bodies who are committed to delivering the Right to Rehab in Scotland. 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.

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

Consultation responses

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.

We will share any live consultations on the relevant communties platform for members to feed into our response.

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.

Who should I influence in Scotland

Be a changemaker

In Scotland you can influence:

Health Boards
Local authorities and Councillors – councillors who lead and or sit on relevant scrutiny committees, Chief Executives, Financial Directors and Directors of Health and Social Care and Education
MSPs including Scottish Government Ministers
Health and Social Care Integration Partnerships
Integration Joint Boards – chief officers
AHP Directors

Your national representative

Katie MacGregor, Policy and Public Affairs Lead, Scotland

Katie has worked in numerous policy and influencing roles across different health charities including The Stroke Association and the British Heart Foundation.

Interested in learning more about our work in Scotland or want to get involved? Contact Katie at [email protected].

Useful links

RCOT Scotland Bluesky account

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

On RCOT Communities, all members with a Scotland registered address can join one of the Scotland regional networks, as part of your RCOT membership benefits, along with a range of other professional and practice networks. The Scotland regional networks offers members a valuable space to share learning, foster professional connections, and shape the future of occupational therapy together.