Occupational therapists in councils: Unlocking capacity and driving change

This report by the Local Government Association (LGA), developed in partnership with national and regional occupational therapy leaders, explores the unique role of occupational therapists in councils. It highlights their impact across housing, health, care, and employment, and sets out what the Government can do to unlock their full potential and support delivery of their missions.

The LGA commissioned this research to explore how central government can better support occupational therapy (OT) services within councils and recommend actions that the LGA or others could take to enable this. The focus is on adult services and the Government’s missions for the NHS and economic growth. The report highlights the contribution OTs can make to the development of inclusive housing and assistive technology interventions, including through case studies on accessible homes, optimising adaptations and designing for the future in Leeds, and a bespoke Occupational Therapy Assistive Technology Service in South Gloucestershire.

The report is intended for stakeholders in England, including government departments, local authorities, and health and care organisations. It aims to influence and set the political agenda on issues that matter to councils, so they can deliver local solutions to national problems.

If you found this of interest, check out our dedicated webpages on Occupational Therapists' input on the design of housing.