Frequently asked questions
Why did you create this Workforce Strategy?
Many parts of our health and care systems are in crisis, with waiting times at their worst ever. The OT workforce is also in crisis with some systems naming us as an ‘at risk profession’ and many practitioners reporting a crisis in professional identity. We can’t continue as we are – we are too thinly spread, established mainly in NHS and secondary care services and losing focus on our unique value and contribution – occupations!
Health and care services need to focus on prevention and early intervention to help people living with multiple health conditions manage their symptoms and reduce the need for hospital and specialist services. One of the best ways to do this is by having more OTs working in community based services such as schools, care homes and rehabilitation centres. We need easier ways for people to access OT services and we should be seeing people in their own normal living environments.
Our Workforce Strategy sets out our vision is for an expanded occupational therapy workforce, positioned to have maximum impact in improving people’s health and quality of life and how we get there.
Who is the Workforce Strategy aimed at?
It’s aimed at the occupational therapy workforce, health and social care professionals, decisions makers including politicians and civil servants and council leaders and officers.
What’s the main message in the Workforce Strategy?
Occupational therapy is the solution to many of the UK’s health and care needs. Our Workforce Strategy is our roadmap for achieving our vision for an expanded occupational therapy workforce, positioned to have maximum impact in improving people’s health and quality of life.
More OTs, positioned strategically to facilitate the joining up of services, will result in improved patient experience, reduced pressure on the NHS, GPs and other health services.
What will the strategy achieve?
Achieving our vision for an expanded occupational therapy workforce, positioned in communities, will improve the health and quality of life of people living in the UK. It will reduce pressure on the NHS, GPs and other public health services, help prevent people from reaching crisis point, keep people living well in their own homes for longer and help people remain in work, completing their day to day routines and the occupations that are important to them.
Who is going to deliver the strategy?
Delivering our Workforce Strategy will be a team effort. Our action plans detail individual and collective roles and responsibilities for RCOT, our members, our stakeholder and partners, and everyone.
How is the strategy going to be delivered?
We’ve set out how the strategy will be delivered in our three-year action plan, which has measurable actions for each of the priority areas. By the end of 2024 we’ll also have nation-specific action plans.
How was this strategy developed? Who fed into it?
The workforce strategy is based on feedback from our members, through our workforce survey, summits and meetings, as well as key stakeholders.
I’ve got great evidence how do I share that with you?
We need your impact stories and real world evidence to transform health and social care services and reform our workforce. Share them with us via our innovation hub.
Where can I go if I want to talk to someone about this?
Please get in touch by emailing us at hello@rcot.co.uk