25 - 26 November 2026
NEC Birmingham

2026 Conference programme

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The 2026 conference programme is now live, with new sessions and speakers being added regularly.

Across two days, discover a packed programme of keynote presentations, practical workshops, case studies and evidence-informed sessions led by occupational therapy experts from across the NHS, social care, independent practice, education, mental health, rehabilitation and more.

Explore the programme below and check back regularly as we continue to announce new speakers and sessions.

Don't miss this incredible line-up, register today to secure your ticket!

The Occupational Therapy Show conference programme.

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11:15 11:45

Session delivered by AKW

Keynote Theatre

Sponsored by:
- Neuro
12:00 12:45

The neuroscience of self-regulation: brains, bodies and belonging - why occupational therapy matters

Keynote Theatre

Self-regulation underpins how we think, feel, behave and engage in everyday life. Rather than being an individual skill, it emerges through ongoing interactions between the brain, body, relationships, ...

Aine O'Dea, Owner & Director - Radiance Consulting Ltd
- Career development, leadership and professional practice
13:00 13:45

Alone in the room: how to survive, thrive and make some noise as an OT

Keynote Theatre

Does this sound familiar? You are the only OT in the team. Your manager is a social worker, a nurse, or a psychologist. Someone down the corridor has just told a client they do not need occupational t ...

Jill Martin, Clinical Director - Purpose People Ltd
- Policy
14:15 15:00

Building a movement for change: better outcomes, closer to where people live

Keynote Theatre

Occupational therapists see every day what happens when support comes too late and services are organised around systems rather than people's lives. In this keynote, RCOT will share its vision for a d ...

Karin Orman, Director of Practice, Innovation and Advocacy - Royal College of Occupational Therapists
- Sustainablity
15:15 16:00

Doing what matters, being kind, becoming sustainable: occupational therapy and belonging in a safer world

Keynote Theatre

This keynote explores sustainability as a core occupational therapy concern. Drawing on the concepts of doing, being, becoming and belonging, it will explore how sustainable occupational therapy pract ...

Ben Whittaker, Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist - Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

- Children and young people
10:30 11:15

More than therapy: leisure opportunities for children, built collaboratively with community partners

Theatre 1

This session presents an innovative leisure pathway for children with occupational therapy needs, developed in partnership with local community providers. It highlights how services can move beyond cl ...

Shir Grunebaum, Paediatric Occupational Therapist - Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Juliet Vine, Paediatric Occupational Therapist - Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
- Career development, leadership and professional practice
11:30 12:00

Emerging opportunities for OTs in case management

Theatre 1

The value of a case management approach has been highlighted in both the Keep Britain Working Review (Mayfield, 2025–2026) and NICE Guideline NG252 (2025), reflecting a wider recognition of the need f ...

Helen Valls-Russell, Director - Institute of Registered Case Managers
- Housing, equipment and adaptions
12:30 13:00

Assistive technology for upper limb impairment: screening, evidence and funding

Theatre 1

This presentation will give occupational therapists a deep dive into how advanced assistive technologies can enable people with upper limb impairment to regain and retain independence. Specialist Oc ...

Lauren Edwards, Occupational Therapist - Independent Occupational Therapist

Simon Fielden, Clinical Scientist & Technical Director - Rahana Life
- Mental health
- Neuro
13:15 14:00

From dismissed to understood: enhancing occupational therapy for people with persistent physical symptoms

Theatre 1

Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) such as pain, fatigue and weakness often lack clear medical explanation yet can cause significant disability and distress. Many people with PPS report feeling dismis ...

Hilary Lewis, Doctoral Clinical Academic Fellow - University of Leeds
14:15 14:45

Finding the right fit: supporting comfort, posture and participation through custom seating

Theatre 1

Many children with complex physical needs continue to experience discomfort, fatigue and reduced participation despite having well prescribed assistive seating. While adjustments to off-the-shelf equi ...

Sponsored by:

Linda Keogh, Senior Occupational Therapist & Educational Consultant - Etac
- Policy
15:00 15:45

Occupational therapy as a catalyst for change: how occupational therapists drive participation and inclusion

Theatre 1

Occupational therapists have a vital role to play in removing barriers to participation - not only through individual rehabilitation, but by influencing the systems, services and policies that shape p ...

Aimee Nuttall, Occupational Therapist, Include to Improve Programme Lead - Sport for Confidence

VRA Representative
- Career development, leadership and professional practice
16:00 16:30

OT in a digital world: AI and technology on the front line

Theatre 1

This session will explore how AI and technology enabled care (TEC) can be meaningfully integrated into occupational therapy practice. Drawing on frontline experience, Chloe will share how AI tools c ...

Chloe Bromhead, Senior Practitioner Occupational Therapist - Derby City Council

- Mental health
- Children and young people
12:00 12:45

Perinatal mental health: an occupational therapy perspective to parenting

Theatre 2

Becoming a parent is one of life's most transformative transitions, influencing identity, relationships, health, and everyday occupations. This session explores the prevalence and impact of perinatal ...

Sarah Maris-Shaw, Occupational Therapist - Perinatal Specialist - south london and maudsley NHS foundation trust

Kate Halsall, Consultant Occupational Therapist - Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust
- Neuro
14:15 14:45

Tai Chi and Qigong in neurorehabilitation

Theatre 2

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) can result in complex physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that significantly impact independence and quality of life. This presentation explores the potential rol ...

Alison Noakes, Occupational Therapist - The Occupational Therapy Service

Mark Peters, Lead Trainer and Coach - Midlands Tai Chi Rehabilitation
- Career development, leadership and professional practice
15:45 16:15

Think like a commissioner: how occupational therapists can position their services for commissioning success

Theatre 2

This practical session demystifies commissioning from the perspective of someone who has worked as both an occupational therapist and commissioner. It will explain how commissioning decisions are made ...

Fiona Corless, Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships - FL Collaborative Consulting

- Neuro
10:00 10:45

Life after discharge: coordinating complex neurological rehabilitation in the community

Theatre 3

Joanna Fletcher-Smith, Case Management Service Lead / Director - Harrison Associates / CMSUK / IRCM
- Housing, equipment and adaptions
- Sustainablity
11:00 11:30

Sustainable use of community equipment - OTs are key

Theatre 3

Climate change is the biggest threat to health in the 21st Century (WHO, 2016). Greener NHS is attempting to mitigate for it and become the first net zero health service in the world. Responsible use ...

Susanna Davies, Occupational Therapist, Researcher - University of Plymouth
- Housing, equipment and adaptions
11:45 12:15

Whose job is it anyway? Positioning, postural care and moving and handling: shared responsibility or specialist expertise?

Theatre 3

Positioning, postural care and moving and handling are often viewed as separate disciplines, but who is ultimately responsible for ensuring safe, effective practice? In this thought-provoking session, ...

Sponsored by:

Norma Findlay, Head of Clinical Operations - A1 Momentum
- Housing, equipment and adaptions
- Case management
12:30 13:00

More than adaptations: creating homes that enable participation following catastrophic injury

Theatre 3

Stephanie Fleet, Specialist Rehabilitation Occupational Therapist & Director - Think Therapy 1st & CMSUK
- Neuro
- Sustainablity
13:15 13:45

Virtual reality and nature pilot project in community stroke rehabilitation: functional gains and therapeutic benefit of nature connection

Theatre 3

An experienced occupational therapist with a passion for innovation in stroke rehabilitation, I have developed a community-based approach that combines virtual reality (VR) and the restorative power o ...

Lucy Austen, Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist - Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
- Policy
15:45 16:30

Why are we losing occupational therapists? Retention, burnout and career satisfaction in occupational therapy

Theatre 3

Occupational therapists are passionate about their profession, yet too many are leaving the workforce early or questioning their future career path. What is driving this trend, and what can employers, ...

Mandy Graham, Senior Lecturer & Programme Lead for BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy - University of Salford

Lisa Taylor, Employability and Learning Innovation Specialist

- Sustainablity
09:30 10:15

Transforming clinical practice for people, services and planet

Keynote Theatre

Using real life examples, research and case studies this session will explore how to work more sustainably without adding extra work. You will understand where to find support and resources and crucia ...

Jacqueline Gordon, Occupational Therapist / Clinical Sustainability Manager - Care without Carbon Sussex Community NHS Trust
- Mental health
10:30 11:15

What occupational therapists should know about women’s hormones

Keynote Theatre

This presentation will highlight the importance of occupational therapists in addressing menopause-related challenges faced by women. We will delve into the physiological and psychological changes dur ...

Louise Newson, GP and Menopause Specialist, Co-founder and Director - Newson Health Ltd
- Neuro
11:30 12:15

The art of participation: what eight years of The Sketcher Project has taught us about life after brain injury

Keynote Theatre

The Sketcher Project grew from a coffee between cousins Rhiannon Stokes, an occupational therapist and case manager, and Beth Morris, an artist and art tutor. What began as an idea to create meaningfu ...

Rhiannon Stokes, Occupational Therapist, Managing Director & Chair - CMSUK & Stokes Case Management

Beth Morris, Founder / Director - Beth Morris Workshops, Cardiff
- Housing, equipment and adaptions
12:30 13:00

Session delivered by AKW

Keynote Theatre

Sponsored by:
- Housing, equipment and adaptions
13:15 14:00

Disabled Facilities Grants: what everyone gets wrong

Keynote Theatre

Disabled Facilities Grants are governed by legislation, regulations and case law, yet many day-to-day decisions are shaped by custom and practice. A process is repeated for long enough, written into a ...

Paul Smith, Director of Foundations - Foundations
- Career development, leadership and professional practice
14:15 15:00

Exploring a career in case management: navigating pathways, progression and professional support

Keynote Theatre

Case management offers a rewarding and varied career, but understanding how to enter, develop and progress within the profession can be challenging. This session explores the pathways into case manage ...

Carole Chantler, Chair - Institute of Registered Case Managers

Rhiannon Stokes, Occupational Therapist, Managing Director & Chair - CMSUK & Stokes Case Management

Louise Chance, Chair - BABICM

Dr Julie Denning, Management Group Member - Institute of Registered Case Managers
- Policy
15:15 16:00

Leading the future of health and care: how occupational therapists can shape the next decade

Keynote Theatre

With major reforms planned across both the NHS and adult social care, occupational therapists are uniquely placed to improve outcomes, reduce demand on acute services and help people live healthier, m ...

Odeth Richardson, Chair of Council - RCOT

Samantha Shann, Vice Chair - World Rehabilitation Alliance

Jane Melton, Vice Chair - Elizabeth Casson Trust

David Stockdale, Chief Executive Officer - British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA)

- Neuro
09:45 10:15

Beyond rehabilitation: the role of the OT case manager in long-term community rehabilitation

Theatre 1
- Sustainablity
10:30 11:15

Challenging disposable culture: a return to recycling equipment

Theatre 1

This talk is about the issuing of bathing and toileting equipment post surgery, and a campaign to move away from single use equipment and encourage patients and staff to clean and reuse these items.

Lucy Swift, Senior Occupational Therapist, Pain Management and Rehabiliation Team - Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital Trust
11:30 12:00

Heather's journey: the importance of appropriate equipment and collaborative support in complex patient care

Theatre 1

Heather’s journey demonstrates how innovative moving and handling solutions, combined with multidisciplinary collaboration, can transform outcomes for patients with complex needs. Living with severe P ...

Sponsored by:

Heather Bertasius, Patient Moving & Handling Service Lead, Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust - Etac
- Career development, leadership and professional practice
- Case management
13:15 14:00

The curious practitioner: learning, reflecting and growing throughout your career as a case manager or OT

Theatre 1

Professional development is about more than completing a CPD log to meet policy requirements. In this fireside chat, our panel explores what it means to remain curious, reflective and committed to lea ...

Joanna Fletcher-Smith, Case Management Service Lead / Director - Harrison Associates / CMSUK / IRCM

Niccola Irwin, Director, Chair of the Quality Assurance Committee - Institute of Registered Case Managers

Carole Chantler, Chair - Institute of Registered Case Managers
- Mental health
14:15 14:45

A recipe for recovery: the development of evidence-based guidelines for occupational therapy in eating disorders

Theatre 1

The session will essentially explore the development of evidence-based guidelines for occupational therapy in the field of eating disorders, exploring each stage of the OT process and the generated re ...

Abigail Cardwell

Clare Margaret Steedman, Co-Founder & Clinical Director - Trauma & Eating Disorder Specialists (TEDS)
- Mental health
15:00 15:45

More than mobility: bringing intimacy back into rehabilitation

Theatre 1

Sue Newsome, Psychosexual Therapist & Sexual Educator - Independent

- Mental health
09:45 10:15

Beyond labels: challenging stigma in dual diagnosis

Theatre 2

Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to improve outcomes for people experiencing dual diagnosis- co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges- by addressing the impact of stigma ...

Jessica Bhika, Senior Occupational Therapist - Priory group hospital
- Case management
11:15 11:45

Role boundaries: the occupational therapist vs the case manager

Theatre 2

While the skill sets of occupational therapists are exceptionally well-suited to case management, there is a clear distinction between the two roles in clinical practice. Drawing on case studies of ...

Niccola Irwin, Director, Chair of the Quality Assurance Committee - Institute of Registered Case Managers
- Children and young people
12:00 12:45

The overlap advantage: OT–SLT co-working for stronger outcomes

Theatre 2

In school-based practice, children rarely present with needs that sit neatly within one professional area. Communication, sensory processing, regulation, attention, motor planning and participation ar ...

Antonia Hardcastle, Lead Occupational Therapist & CPD Middle Leader - Dovecote School
- Housing, equipment and adaptions
13:15 13:45

I do the seating: when lying becomes somebody else's problem

Theatre 2

Postural care to protect body shape is a 24-hour concept, yet discussions often focus almost exclusively on seating. As a result, lying posture can become overlooked, with responsibility passing betwe ...

Jenny Rolfe, Occupational Therapist - Posture Partnership Ltd

Jane Pratley, Clinical Lead, Postural Care & Seating Physiotherapist - Posture Partnership Ltd

- Career development, leadership and professional practice
10:00 10:45

From NHS to independent practice: what nobody tells you

Theatre 3

More occupational therapists than ever are exploring independent practice, whether to develop a portfolio career, gain greater flexibility or specialise in a particular area. But what does the transit ...

Kate Heward, Clinical Director - Rehabilitate Therapy Ltd

Sarah Meharg, Occupational Therapist
- Children and young people
- Case management
11:00 11:30

Supporting children and families beyond therapy: coordinating education, health and social care

Theatre 3

Jackie Chapel, OT / Case Manager & Founder / Director - Positive OT & Case Management Ltd / CMSUK
- Housing, equipment and adaptions
11:45 12:15

Confidence starts here: empowering the next generation of occupational therapists in clinical seating

Theatre 3

Stepping into practice can feel daunting, particularly when faced with complex seating assessments and clinical decision-making. In this inspiring session, Martina Tierney, Occupational Therapist, Fou ...

Sponsored by:

Martina Tierney, Occupational Therapist & Clinical Director - SEATING MATTERS
- Career development, leadership and professional practice
15:15 16:00

Climbing the career scaffolding: careers options you've never thought of

Theatre 3

There has never been a more exciting - or more diverse - range of career opportunities for occupational therapists. From leading quality improvement across NHS organisations, to pioneering specialist ...

Alex Fisher, Spec Occupational Therapist/Hon Clinical Lecturer - BSMHFT/University of Birmingham

Gemma Styles, Service Improvement Business Partner, Improvement Hub - The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

Larissa Naccarato, Occupational Therapist

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