Top reasons to enter the Occupational Therapy Excellence Awards

As the proud sponsors of the Occupational Therapy Excellence Awards, we are here to encourage all occupational therapists, teams, suppliers, universities and academics to enter this year! These Awards are a true celebration of the occupational therapy community and recognise the wide and varied skills and expertise that make up this profession. So, hurry to get your entries in before 28th February 2025!

Here, the team behind the OT Excellence Awards shares some of the top reasons why all UK OT professionals need to enter the Awards this year, and explore how the benefits extend far beyond winning a trophy. 

Recognition of your outstanding contributions 

One of the most rewarding parts of entering the OT Excellence Awards is the recognition. These awards celebrate the hard work and dedication of OTs across the UK, whether you're an individual therapist, part of a team, a supplier company, or you run a university course. Being shortlisted, or winning an award, is a huge achievement and serves as a public recognition that your efforts are truly making a difference in the lives of those you support. 

Increased visibility and professional opportunities 

By entering the OT Excellence Awards, you’re not just putting your work in front of the judges - you’re also raising your profile within the profession. The awards give you a chance to showcase your achievements to a wider audience, including fellow professionals, potential collaborators, and employers. 

This year, we’re also introducing a PR pack for all finalists and winners. This pack includes a press release, email and website/blog templates, social media post ideas, and a guide on how to make the most of being named an award finalist or winner. We want to help you share your success in every possible way. 

Inspiring professional development and growth 

Entering the awards is a great opportunity for professional development. The process of reflecting on your practice, identifying what you’re most proud of, and putting your entry together allows you to take stock of your achievements. It’s a chance to ask yourself: what have I achieved this year? How has my work impacted my clients or team? This reflection gives you valuable insights that can guide your growth as a practitioner or leader. 

Being part of the awards process also opens networking opportunities, connecting you with others who are passionate about advancing occupational therapy. Sharing ideas and learning from the successes of others will inspire you to continue pushing the boundaries of your own work. 

Boosting team morale and celebrating collective success 

The OT Excellence Awards aren’t just about individual recognition—they’re also about celebrating teamwork and collaboration. Many entries come from teams who have worked together to come up with creative solutions, improve client outcomes, or tackle complex challenges. Recognising a team’s efforts fosters a sense of shared accomplishment, strengthens relationships, and boosts morale. 

For organisations, the awards also help promote a culture of excellence. They send a clear message to staff that their hard work is valued, which contributes to a positive work environment, improved staff retention, and increased motivation. 

2024 Occupational Therapy Excellence Award Winners

Contributing to the advancement of the occupational therapy sector 

At the heart of the OT Excellence Awards is a drive to highlight the best in the profession. By entering, you’re helping to raise the standards of care, championing new practices, and celebrating those who are pushing occupational therapy forward. 

Being shortlisted or winning an award can also increase your influence in the field, giving you a platform to advocate for change and inspire others to innovate. Whether you're sharing your success story at the ceremony or continuing the conversation after the event, being involved in the awards helps elevate the occupational therapy sector. 

A celebratory and supportive community 

The OT Excellence Awards are all about celebrating the strength, creativity, and resilience of the occupational therapy profession. It’s not just about winning—it’s about coming together with others who share a passion for improving lives. The 2024 awards brought together a wonderful, supportive community that fostered collaboration and camaraderie, and we’re thrilled that the 2025 Awards are set to be an even bigger event, with more opportunities to celebrate the amazing work happening within the occupational therapy field. 

OTE Awards 2025

As we prepare for the 2025 OT Excellence Awards, I encourage everyone in the sector to consider entering! 

We’re delighted to share that entry is FREE to all OT practitioners. There is an entry fee for universities and supplier companies.  

Entries are open NOW. The deadline to enter is 28 February 2025. The Awards ceremony will take place on 20 June 2025. To enter, please visit: OccupationalTherapyAwards.com  

If you require any guidance or have any queries, please get in touch. We are always happy to help! 

Rosie Pickering - communications manager 

rosie@spl.events 

Paisley Pascal - event manager 

paisley@spl.events