Practice and regional network volunteers

RCOT is looking for passionate volunteers to help build dynamic, thriving communities within its membership organisation. It is an opportunity to develop professionally, lead, grow and make a meaningful impact by bringing occupational therapists together. Opportunities are available for members at all career stages. 

• Shape the future: Be at the forefront of creating vibrant communities where members can connect, share and grow together. 
• Develop new skills: Gain valuable experience in leadership, collaboration and professional development that will enhance your career and meet CPD requirements. 
• Build strong connections: Network with like-minded professionals and form lasting relationships within your area of practice. 
• Make an impact: Lead initiatives that reflect the needs of your community and drive positive change. 
• Gain recognition: Receive acknowledgment for your contributions and achievements. 
• Thrive in a supportive environment: Benefit from a comprehensive onboarding journey, peer support groups and an annual reflection process to track your progress. 

You’ll have opportunities to lead, grow and bring RCOT’s community of dedicated and knowledgeable occupational therapists together, with support from RCOT throughout your journey.

As a network leader, a key part of your role is about being active and visible on RCOT Communities and in your network. This includes engaging with your community members on your network discussion boards and working with your network leadership team to promote the network and deliver network focused CPD. This helps to build your network’s relevance and resources, and increase knowledge, confidence and sense of identity and belonging among your community.

Practice networks

Practice networks aim to bring together our members from across backgrounds, career levels and sectors with a shared interest in an area of practice and to support member’s professional lives. By joining a practice network, you’ll have access to a shared online space to meet and connect with others, share resources and access learning and development opportunities. 

Current practice networks

• Acute and emergency care  
• Children, young people and families  
• Dementia care 
• Healthy ageing 
• Inclusive built environments 
• Learning disabilities  
• Long-term conditions 
• Mental health  
• Neurological practice 
• Palliative and end of life care 
• Primary care 
• Social care  
• Work and health 

Regional networks

Regional networks bring local OT communities together so we connect, coordinate activities and discuss issues that are relevant to your local area or nation.  

Regional networks

• Eastern  
• London  
• North & Yorkshire  
• North West  
• Northern Ireland  
• Scotland 
• South East  
• South West 
• Trent 
• Wales 
• West Midlands 

In our Practice and Region networks, you can volunteer as:

• Network lead
• Community Engagement lead and coordinator
• Equity, Diversity and Belonging lead and coordinator
• Independent Practice lead

The Practice networks have the following additional roles:

• Learning and Development lead and coordinator
• Occupation lead and coordinator
• Research lead and coordinator
• Innovation lead and coordinator
• AI & Technology lead
• Specialism lead

Lead roles are strategic, focusing on vision and direction. They:

• Provide strategic leadership to guide the network’s vision and direction – ensuring alignment with the needs of its diverse membership. 
• Use your entire network’s scope to position the network for impact within the professional community. 
• Represent your network’s needs, priorities and perspectives in strategic discussions within a leads’ forum. 
• Interconnect and align your network’s efforts with other networks to work towards shared outcomes through informed decision making. 

 A lead is someone who demonstrates leadership qualities, skills and behaviours at Career Development Framework Levels 7/8.

Coordinator roles are operational, ensuring effective implementation of activities. They:

• lead on, design and deliver network activities to support a network to achieve its objectives. 
• represent and advocate for a member segment to inform and lead network activities relevant to the needs of the group. 

A coordinator is someone who demonstrates leadership qualities, skills and behaviours at Career Development Framework Levels 5 or 6. 

As a network leader, you’ll undertake a comprehensive onboarding journey, access peer support groups with key contacts across RCOT. You’ll also undertake an annual reflection process. To request support or if you need any adjustments, contact the Professional Development team at [email protected].

RCOT is committed to equity, diversity and belonging and to creating a culture where everyone feels seen, valued and able to thrive. Lived experiences, insights and perspectives are welcomed because they strengthen the work and help shape the profession’s future. 

Read the relevant role profiles on the role overview pages, then complete the short expression of interest form. The form link is provided on each role overview page.