2021 : A year in
BRIEF
We are looking back at another memorable year with a snapshot of just some of our achievements for 2021 .
INFLUENCING AND RAISING THE PROFILE
Over 2021 , we have worked with many partner organisations , taking a four-nation approach to our advocacy , which considers the different systems and pressures in England , Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales .
In Scotland and Wales we produced manifestoes in advance of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd elections . This enabled our members to discuss issues important to occupational therapists with their local candidates and meant that successful candidates took up their roles with some knowledge of the profession .
We also consulted with members in Northern Ireland in advance of elections there in 2022 and have held preparatory meetings with the political parties ’ policy officers .
We will continue to work to develop relationships with parliamentarians in Scotland and Wales , following the May 2021 elections , as this has been a key and important part of our work .
We have contributed to cross-party and cross-departmental working groups on subjects ranging from rehabilitation to access to therapies . This work has led to new guidance and enhanced recognition for the impact that occupational therapy can have .
We spoke up on topics ranging from rehabilitation and Long Covid , waiting list reduction , mental health provision and the need for occupational therapy support to be based in community settings , such as primary care , through to the need for a longterm approach to counter the shortage of occupational therapists in some areas .
We conducted a survey of occupational therapists working in children ’ s and young people ’ s services . This highlighted some of the barriers that mean young people are not getting the support they need and produced valuable intelligence about the needs and challenges that vary across the four nations , along with some commonalities .
We have shared our findings with leaders in health and in social care so that we can together reduce these barriers and get timely occupational therapy support to those who need it .
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY WEEK
The theme for Occupational Therapy Week 2021 , held from 1 to 7 November , was health equity . Throughout the week , we shone a light on the role occupational therapists currently play in addressing health equity and worked with you to identify what support and tools you need , so that you can do even more in future .
We used the week ’ s activities to call on governments , healthcare leaders and commissioners in all four nations to provide a long-term strategy , including more resources and funding for occupational therapists .
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Over the last year , a Patient and Public Involvement Consultation group co-produced a statement of intent , a set of guiding principles and a reward and recognition policy to support the development of opportunities for people who access occupational therapy services , their carers and the public , to inform the business and governance of RCOT research and development related activity through their involvement .
Two public contributors joined the RCOT Research Foundation Advisory Group . A successful virtual research and development internship was completed over the summer , providing an opportunity for a pre-registration occupational therapy learner to gain an understanding of the work of our education and research team .
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