Timeline of BAOT/COT

About BAOT/COT

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.
2008	BAOT/COT achieves over 28,000 members and employs nearly 80 staff based in London and around the UK. Members participate in 14 BAOT regional groups, around 100 local groups and 11 COT specialist sections.

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College of Occupational Therapists, 106-114 Borough High Street, Southwark, London SE1 1LB. Tel: 020 7357 6480

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The College of Occupational Therapists Limited (or 'COT') is a registered charity in England and Wales (275119) and in Scotland (SCO39573)
and a company registered in England (No. 1347374). VAT Reg. No. 242 7829 47.