'Independent or Private Practice' is interpreted widely by this Specialist Section. In addition to representing OTs who work as self-employed sole traders, in partnerships or who run their own companies, Independent Practice also represents the increasing number of OTs who may be employed, but by non-traditional employers outside of the public sector. Examples of these include housing associations, equipment manufacturers and retailers, private medical facilities and insurance companies.

For many people the idea of entering into independent practice comes by chance, often following an unsolicited request. For example:

• A local solicitor requests a report and recommendations for someone who is claiming compensation.
• Parents seeking private treatment for their child.
• A consultant asks an Occupational Therapist to see one of his private patients.
• A Housing Association requests assessment for some of their tenants, prior to renovating property.

It is usually at a later stage that some Occupational Therapists become more proactive in expanding their practice, advertising their services, tendering for contracts, and teaming up with other colleagues.

Independent Practice is the only Specialist Section to represent Occupational Therapists who are outside the 'safety' of the NHS or Local Authority, and whose working conditions are not determined by UNISON or NJCLGS (Local Authority) mechanisms.

Independent Practice welcomes membership from all Occupational Therapists, whether currently self-employed, running their own companies, employed privately, or employed in the statutory sector. Well over 50% of new members are still working in the statutory sector when they join us and a large number of our members continue to work to some extent for the NHS or Social Services.

Issues You Should Consider

If you are thinking about starting any independent work, you need to consider carefully what this might mean for you. Some of the following issues are dealt with in the business start-up pack you will get when you join this group, others are matters for you to research and decide on yourself. All of these issues are made easier for you to deal with if you are networked to other Occupational Therapists who have had to make similar decisions.

• How do you decide what to charge for your services?
• What insurance will you need? Does BAOT subscription cover you?
• Who else is providing similar services locally?
• What will you do about holidays, sick leave, and pensions?
• Will you feel professionally isolated?
• How will you keep up to date in your practice?
• Are you able to manage your own accounts? How will you deal with the Taxman?
• Do you enjoy a challenge?

Independent Practice was one of the first Specialist Sections to be established, and continues to thrive year on year showing the well established importance of the network contacts and support it can provide. In recent years Independent Practice has:

• Worked with COT on the issue of Professional Indemnity Insurance for all independent OTs
• Worked in collaboration with COT to produce an annual Directory of Independent Practitioners available to all organisations or individuals who may need our services. This is now produced solely by Independent Practice and is available on this site
• Successfully negotiated with COT and Unison a reduced BAOT subscription rate for those who work exclusively as independent practitioners.
• Established a Code of Business Practice for Occupational Therapists
• Run an annual conference for existing and potential members.
• Produced a bi-annual Bulletin free to all members.
• Contributed to the increasingly high profile of independent practice in Occupational Therapy both within the College and amongst the general public.

Most recently Independent Practice has set up this web site and an Enquiry Line 0800 389 4873.