The OT Practice is one of the UK’s leading independent occupational therapy providers, bringing together a nationwide network of more than 350 OTs to support people of all ages in the places where everyday life happens.

For therapists, we offer a flexible way to explore independent practice without having to do it alone. With clinical, operational and professional support around you, you can focus on the work you enjoy most, shape a career that fits your life and discover where independent practice could take you next.
 

How The OT Practice helps occupational therapists broaden their experience and build a portfolio career

Occupational therapy careers are rarely one-size-fits-all. Whether you are newly qualified, established in a specialist role, leading a service or looking for a new professional challenge, you may be thinking differently about how you want your career to develop.

For some OTs, that means creating a portfolio career: combining more than one role, setting or professional interest to bring greater variety, flexibility and choice. Independent practice can be one part of that portfolio, alongside work in the NHS, social care, education, charities, academia or another employed setting.

It does not have to mean leaving a valued role or committing to a full-time private caseload. It might begin with an occasional case, develop into a regular stream of work, or provide a way to explore a specialist interest and gain experience beyond your usual role.
 

More ways to use your OT skills

At The OT Practice, associates work with clients of different ages and needs across homes, schools, workplaces, care settings and communities. Referrals come from a wide range of sources, including private individuals, case managers, charities, local authorities, NHS and social care services, schools, businesses and other organisations.

Opportunities span areas such as rehabilitation, paediatrics, housing adaptations, equipment, moving and handling, seating, neurological practice, hand therapy and vocational rehabilitation, as well as placements and time-limited projects.

This breadth of work allows OTs to build on their existing expertise, explore new interests and apply their skills in different contexts. For one therapist, that may mean a small number of cases alongside an employed role; for another, a varied independent caseload or a project that adds a new dimension to an established career.
 

Independence without isolation

Working independently brings autonomy, but professional development should not happen in isolation. At The OT Practice, our specialist clinical leads provide accessible clinical guidance, case discussion and opportunities for reflection, helping associates strengthen their practice, develop their skills and explore new areas within the boundaries of their competence. This support sits alongside our operational teams, quality assurance processes, secure systems and wider professional network.

Whether taking their first steps into independent practice or bringing years of experience, associates can access one-to-one support, peer reflection, online clinics, training and shared learning. Clinical leads offer a sounding board for unfamiliar or complex cases, helping therapists build confidence and deepen their expertise while remaining responsible for their own clinical decisions.
 

Come and meet us at the OT Show

If independent practice has sparked your curiosity, come and meet The OT Practice at the OT Show on stand G15.

Whether you are considering your first independent case, developing a specialist interest or expanding an established portfolio we would love to hear about your career and help you explore what opportunities might fit your skills, ambitions and availability

For further information, contact Sarah Doyle on 03300249910 or email: join-us@theotpractice.com

What our associates say

“I was nervous about working in independent practice, as I have been very used to the support and team dynamic of my previous roles, but I have had such a positive experience working alongside everyone at TOTP and I would highly recommend it as an organisation for other OTs too! Even though I work in silo in practice, it feels like a lovely supportive team and network to be a part of, and I wanted to express my gratitude for that and the culture that has been cultivated, despite all working remotely from each other.”

Come visit us on stand G15 at the Occupational Therapy Show!