Working as a self-employed Occupational Therapist with Inclusion

Experienced Occupational Therapists often reach a point where they want more control over the work they take on, greater variety, or the opportunity to build independent practice alongside an existing role. Working as a self-employed associate can provide that flexibility without requiring you to build a client base entirely on your own.

Inclusion was founded by Occupational Therapists and remains OT-led. We work with associate OTs across the UK, from clinicians taking occasional pieces of work through to those who build a substantial independent caseload.

Current priority areas include London and the South East, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, Coventry and the wider Midlands, Lincoln, Norwich and Liverpool. These priorities change as new projects and referrals come in, so OTs in other parts of the UK are still welcome to get in touch. The aim is to combine the autonomy of self-employed practice with the professional support and infrastructure of a wider OT network.

What associate work with Inclusion involves

Associates work on a self-employed basis and decide which pieces of work they are able and willing to accept. Availability can therefore sit around another job, family commitments or an existing independent practice.

The work available varies by location, specialism and current contracts. Across Inclusion’s services, associates may undertake work involving housing and adaptations, equipment, moving and handling, paediatrics, vocational rehabilitation, access and the built environment, social care assessments and other specialist OT referrals across public, private and voluntary sectors.

Some associates prefer occasional assessments in a particular specialism. Others work with us more regularly across one or more contracts or types of work. There’s no requirement to accept every referral offered: the important thing is that the work fits your competence, location, interest and availability.

Why OTs take this route

Flexibility is a major attraction. Associate work can allow you to choose how much work you take on and to develop an independent caseload at a pace that suits you.

Variety is another. Working across different referral types or sectors can broaden experience and expose you to different ways of applying Occupational Therapy skills. For OTs considering fully independent practice, associate work can also provide a way to experience self-employed clinical work while continuing to have referrals, systems and professional contacts around them. For some people it becomes their main way of working; for others it remains one part of a mixed professional portfolio. Both approaches can work well.

If you are weighing that up, why I enjoy being an independent OT is one OT’s account of making the move, and our guide to starting out as an independent OT is a free download covering the practical side.

What we ask for

Associate work requires a level of professional autonomy. OTs may be assessing people independently, making recommendations that influence significant decisions and producing reports that need to stand up to scrutiny. We therefore look for clinicians with appropriate post-qualifying experience and strong clinical reasoning, communication and report writing skills.

Associates must be appropriately registered and insured for the work they undertake. Depending on the service or contract, additional requirements such as an appropriate DBS check, evidence of specific competencies or other compliance documentation may also apply. We explain the requirements relevant to the work before onboarding is completed. Just as importantly, associates need to recognise the limits of their own competence and only accept work they are suitably experienced to undertake.

The support side

Self-employed does not have to mean professionally isolated. Associates remain responsible for their own clinical practice, but Inclusion provides a wider framework around the work we commission.

That can include a clear service brief and templates, access to a named contact, opportunities to discuss clinical or operational queries, report feedback and quality assurance where applicable, guidance and resources, and access to relevant training or development activity. The exact level of support varies between services and projects, but there is a team behind the referral rather than simply a case being passed across and left with you.

For OTs who are new to independent practice, that professional network can be particularly valuable. You retain autonomy over your work, while still having colleagues and experienced OTs to draw on when something needs discussion.

How fees and referrals work

Associate fees are agreed for the work being offered before you accept it. The rate and scope can vary according to the service, complexity, location and contract requirements, so you can make an informed decision about whether the referral is right for you.

Because associates are self-employed, you remain responsible for your own tax, insurance, professional registration and business arrangements. Inclusion provides the referral and the project framework; you provide the independent professional OT expertise and skills that are needed and have been agreed.

Where we are recruiting

We’re always interested in hearing from experienced OTs, and there are areas where we are actively looking. Get in touch and we will tell you where the current gaps are and whether your specialism fits what is coming through.

You can also see the OTs already working across the network to get a sense of the range of specialisms and where people are based.

How to get in touch

If you’re interested in associate work, send us your CV or apply through our careers page. We’ll normally start with an informal conversation about your experience, specialisms, location and the type and volume of work you are looking for. There’s no obligation to take work simply because you have spoken to us, and equally the availability of referrals will depend on current demand and whether your experience matches the work coming through.

If you know an OT who might be interested rather than being interested yourself, please pass this on. A good proportion of our associates came to us through a recommendation from another OT.

You can apply through our careers page, or get in touch if you would rather ask a few questions first.