Professional advisory service - FAQs
Read the answers to some of your fellow members' frequently asked questions
We have produced these answers to some of the most commonly asked questions from our members.
If you have a professional query not covered here please send it to professional.advisoryservice@rcot.co.uk quoting your RCOT membership number.
Delegation
What are my responsibilities when delegating tasks to an occupational therapy assistant/support worker?
Do I need to countersign occupational therapy assistants, support workers / students care records?
Independent practice
Am I covered by RCOT’s Professional Indemnity Insurance to work privately?
What type of membership should I go for?
What is a criminal records check / disclosure?
Do I need to report any earnings to HMRC?
What else should I consider?
Is there a separate HCPC register for independent (private) occupational therapists in addition to the HCPC occupational therapists register?
Can I get Unison cover if I am in the self-employed member category?
HCPC's Standards of Proficiency
What are the HCPC Standards of Proficiency (SoP)?
When are the new SOP coming into effect?
What changes have been made to this version of the SoP compared to the previous one?
The standards still ...
Language used in the SoP
Where can I find more information?
Does the new SoP affect the HCPC CPD audit?
Any further questions
Preceptorship
What are the key things I need to know about preceptorship?
Return to Practice
What are the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements for returning practice?
Am I covered by RCOT’s Professional Indemnity Insurance for any voluntary work I may do?
Are there any RCOT resources that may help with my return?
Scope of Practice
How can I maintain my registration when employed in a generic role that does not have occupational therapy in the title?
What do I need to consider in terms of Professional Indemnity Insurance when working in a generic role?
What else should I be thinking about?
Uniforms
Uniforms - do i have to wear one?
Insurance overseas
As a BAOT/RCOT member, am I insured to practice as an occupational therapist overseas?
Virtual practice
As a BAOT/RCOT member, am I insured to practice as an occupational therapist remotely (virtually) with people?
Additional resources
Scope of practice
- Scope of Practice briefing
- Professional standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics – Section 6: Capability and fitness to practise
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Delegation
- Delegation briefing
- Professional standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics – Section 6: Capability and fitness to practise
Supervision
- Supervision Publication
- Professional standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics – Section 6: Capability and fitness to practise
Caseload Management
Independent Practice
- Professional Indemnity Insurance briefing
- Independent Practice Specialist Section
- Professional standards for occupational therapy practice, conduct and ethics – Section 6: Capability and fitness to practise
Return to Practice
- RCOT Return to Practice online resource
- Health and Care Professions Council Return to Practice Guidance
- Join RCOT webpage