BAOT/COT historic timeline - key dates
Key dates in the history of the British Association and College of Occupational Therapists
1932 The Scottish Association of Occupational Therapists (SAOT) is founded.
1936 The Association of Occupational Therapists (AOT) is founded for England, Wales, Northern Ireland.
1938 AOT offers the first diploma examinations for occupational therapy in England the AOT journal ‘Occupational Therapy’ is launched.
1945 AOT sets up its first office in Brompton Road, London.
1948 The NHS is established and AOT and SAOT appoint representatives to the Whitley Council to negotiate national pay and conditions for NHS occupational therapists.
1954 SAOT establishes its first office in George Street, Edinburgh.
1969 A referendum shows the membership of AOT and SAOT in favour of a merger.
1974 The British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT) is formed from a merger of AOT and SAOT. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy is launched.
1978 BAOT becomes a registered trade union in line with members’ wishes and sets up the College of Occupational Therapists (COT), a registered charity, to deal with the professional, educational and research business of the organisation.
1986 HRH The Princess Royal becomes Patron of the College of Occupational Therapists.
1993 BOAT members vote to contract with Unison for trade union services.
1998 BAOT/COT moves into its current headquarters building in Borough High Street, London.
1999 Devolution leads to the establishment of Country Boards for the four countries and Policy Officer roles for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
