Lead Occupational Therapist


Company:	Royal Hospital Chelsea
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	London, SW3 4SR
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	13 Oct 2026
Closing date:	12 Nov 2026

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Summary

About the Role

As Lead Occupational Therapist, you will provide professional leadership and expert clinical practice across the Royal Hospital Chelsea, supporting Army veterans to maintain their independence, wellbeing and quality of life.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will deliver highly specialist assessment and intervention for Chelsea Pensioners with complex physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs. You will lead the development of Occupational Therapy services, champion evidence-based practice, and drive initiatives in rehabilitation, reablement, dementia care, falls prevention and healthy ageing. You will build strong partnerships with colleagues, families and external healthcare providers, helping Pensioners remain as independent and fulfilled as possible within our vibrant veteran community.

Key Criteria

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Occupational Therapist who will bring:

• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Therapy with current HCPC registration and substantial post-registration clinical experience.

• Significant experience working with older adults, including rehabilitation, reablement, dementia care, falls prevention and complex case management.

• Proven ability to develop services and implement evidence-based practice within a health or social care setting.

• Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality improvement, safeguarding and regulatory standards, including HCPC, RCOT and CQC requirements.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with experience working effectively in multidisciplinary teams and with external stakeholders.

• A commitment to person-centred care and the values of the RHC Way, demonstrating compassion, integrity, initiative and respect in all aspects of work.

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