Shaping the future through leadership, innovation and workforce development 

Occupational therapists are leading change, embracing innovation and building partnerships that will shape services for years to come. For Occupational Therapy Week 2026, Our new workforce network OT Co-Leads, Carys Connolly and Meg Browning share their insights on value the profession’s role in shaping the future of adult social care and the importance of ensuring we develop a strong workforce.

Our new workforce network OT Co-Leads, Carys Connolly and Meg Browning, share their insights on value the profession’s role in shaping the future of adult social care and the importance of ensuring we develop a strong workforce. 

Occupational therapists (OTs) are helping to address some of the most significant challenges facing health and social care across the country, yet the profession continues to demonstrate its value through prevention, enablement, leadership and innovation as demand increases and people’s needs become more complex. 

A profession responding to change 

The landscape of adult social care is evolving rapidly. New technologies, changing demographics and increasing integration between health and social care require a workforce that is adaptable, skilled and prepared for the future.  

Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to respond to these challenges. Our holistic approach, focus on independence and ability to work across organisational boundaries enables us to support people effectively while contributing to wider system transformation. Increasingly, occupational therapists are leading work around preventative approaches, neighbourhood working, service redesign and digital innovation, helping to create sustainable services that meet the needs of local communities. 

Investing in the workforce of tomorrow 

One of the greatest opportunities facing social care is ensuring we develop and sustain a strong workforce for the future. 

This means creating clear and accessible career pathways, supporting apprenticeships, strengthening professional development opportunities and ensuring people have the confidence and skills to progress throughout their careers. From students and newly qualified practitioners to experienced clinicians and senior leaders, investment in learning and development benefits individuals, organisations and the people we support. 

Leadership development is particularly important. Future services will require practitioners who can work confidently across systems, influence strategic change and lead innovation. Creating opportunities for staff to develop these skills at every stage of their career is essential for building a resilient and ambitious workforce. 

Strengthening pathways into the profession 

Attracting the next generation of occupational therapists is fundamental to the future of adult social care. Strong partnerships between local authorities, universities, colleges and health organisations create opportunities for students to experience the breadth of occupational therapy practice and understand the difference they can make within communities. 

Practice placements, apprenticeship routes and early career support are all important in developing a workforce that is equipped to meet future demand. By creating accessible and flexible routes into the profession, we can encourage a wider range of people to consider occupational therapy as a rewarding career choice. 

The power of partnership 

Collaboration is central to creating sustainable and effective services. Occupational therapists work alongside a wide range of professionals, organisations and community groups to improve outcomes for the people they support. Partnership working enables shared learning, innovation and the exchange of ideas. It creates opportunities to develop new approaches, strengthen professional networks and ensure services remain responsive to changing needs. Through collaborative leadership, occupational therapists are helping to shape services that are focused on prevention, independence and personalised support. 

Creating inclusive and supportive cultures 

A strong profession depends on creating environments where people feel valued, supported and able to develop their potential. Supporting wellbeing, providing access to learning and development, encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for progression all contribute to a positive workplace culture. Retaining experienced practitioners while nurturing future leaders will be critical to ensuring the profession continues to flourish. 

Looking ahead 

As we celebrate Occupational Therapy Week, it is important to recognise the profession’s contribution not only to individuals and communities, but also to the wider transformation of health and social care. Occupational therapists are leading change, developing future workforces, embracing innovation and building partnerships that will shape services for years to come. By continuing to invest in people, skills and collaboration, we can ensure occupational therapy remains at the forefront of creating sustainable, person-centred support that enables people and communities to thrive. 

As newly appointed ADASS Occupational Therapy Workforce Co-Leads, we are particularly excited about the opportunity to contribute to these conversations at a national level. Working alongside colleagues from across the country, we look forward to sharing learning, championing the value of occupational therapy within adult social care and helping to influence the future development of the workforce. It is a privilege to represent the profession in this role and to play a part in shaping what comes next for occupational therapy nationally. 

This Occupational Therapy Week, we celebrate a profession that is not only making a difference today but helping to build a stronger future for tomorrow. 

About the authors 

Carys Connolly is the Principal Occupational Therapist for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council. Meg Brownings is the Principal Occupational Therapist at West Sussex County Council.