College of Occupational Therapists: Position Statement on Lifelong Learning

Abstract

This document outlines the College of Occupational Therapists' position on lifelong learning for occupational therapy personnel. It contains minimum standards for pre-registration education and continuing professional development. The Position Statement was endorsed at the April 2002 meeting of the Council of the College of Occupational Therapists. The principles embodied in these statements will now be incorporated into the Standards, Policies and Procedures for the Validation and Periodic Review in Occupational Therapy Education (JVC 1997), a new lifelong learning strategy and the forthcoming revision of the Curriculum Framework Document for Occupational Therapy Education (COT 1998).

The Position Statement is intended to support members in a shifting policy environment with the modernisation of both education and the delivery of health and social care. It is recommended that it be read in conjunction with the relevant College of Occupational Therapists' documents and papers that describe United Kingdom wide Government intentions in relation to workforce planning, education and regulation as part of a system of quality assurance. Some are given as references and further reading at the end of this document.