Working in the UK

  1. Employment Opportunities

    2. Employment opportunities for occupational therapists in the UK are currently more limited then they have been in recent years due to restructuring and financial pressures in the National Health Service.  It may therefore take some time to find a suitable position.

  2. Occupational therapy practice

    3. We recommend that all occupational therapists wanting to work in the UK make themselves fully aware of the national policies, code of ethics and professional conduct, standards and guidelines governing practice in the UK.  The best way to do this initially is to become an overseas member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT). 

  3. Getting registered

    4. To practice in the UK you must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC) the Regulatory Body.  ‘Occupational therapist’ is a legally protected title which may only be used by registered occupational therapists.  Full information on the process for overseas applicants can be found at www.hpc-uk.org
    For further information contact:
    The Health Professions Council (HPC)
    Park House
    184 Kennington Park Road
    LONDON
    SE11 4BU
    Tel: +44 (0) 20 7582 0866
    Fax: +44 (0) 20 7820 9684
    email: international@hpc-uk.org

  4. Information on emigration to the UK.

    5. Can be obtained from:
    Immigration and Nationality Directorate
    Lunar House
    40 Wellesley Road
    Croydon
    CR9 2BY
    United Kingdom
    Tel:   +44 (0) 870 606 7766
    www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
    www.ukvisas.gov.uk

  5. If you require a work permit.

    6. Information is available from www.fco.gov.uk
    Foreign and Commonwealth Office
    Joint Entry Clearance Unit
    LONDON
    SW1A 2AH
    United Kingdom
    Tel: +44 (0) 207 238 3858
    Email: visa.foruk@gco.gov.uk

  6. Finding a job
    Vacancies listings are available to BAOT members online at www.baot.org.uk and in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy and OTN. Work is available in health, social care and community settings as well as in the independent sector, education, housing etc.  Agencies may also be helpful for short term work.

    For further help.
    Please email Beryl Steeden, Head of Membership and External Affairs beryl.steeden@cot .co.uk at the
    British Association of Occupational Therapist (BAOT)
    106-114 Borough High Street
    Southwark
    LONDON
    SE1 1LB

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