Standards & ethics
The College defines and promotes standards of conduct for the profession
In order to promote and maintain high standards of professional behaviour in occupational therapy. It applies to all occupational therapists, associate members and OT students and is available for reference by service users, employers, and other organisations.
Public File:
Download the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Occupational Therapists
Download Cod Moeseg ac Ymddygiad Proffesiynol (Welsh language version)
Professional standards defined by the College raise the quality, safety and effectiveness of occupational therapy
Professional Standards for Occupational Therapy Practice will enable all occupational therapy staff to monitor and improve their practice and demonstrate to others the quality of service that can be expected from occupational therapists. The standards are underpinned by legislation and regulatory and monitoring bodies.
Now published - the 2011 online version of the Professional Standards for Professional Practice in early November
The Professional Standards for Occupational Therapy Practice (2011) are those expected by the professional body and have been written to be attainable, with practice improvements if necessary.
They have been produced in alignment, and should be read in conjunction, with:
Public File:
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (COT 2010).
NICE Quality Standards define what quality care in England should look like across a particular clinical area or pathway
They are sets of specific, concise statements derived from the best available evidence and their purpose is to act as benchmarks of high-quality health and social care.
COT is an active stakeholder in the NICE Quality Standards work programme and shares a commitment to drive up the quality of care for service users. As a Publications Partner with NICE, COT has agreed to support the implementation and raise awareness of the following quality standards:
- Quality Standard on Depression in Adults
- End of life care for adults quality standard
- Supporting people to live well with dementia









Download Medico-Legal Forum Standards for Practice for Expert Witnesses