The Importance of a Band 7 Consultant Occupational Therapist in the NHS
A Band 7 Consultant Occupational Therapist holds a pivotal role within the NHS, offering advanced clinical leadership, supervision, and service development expertise. These professionals are key players in delivering specialist care, leading multidisciplinary teams, and influencing policy and procedural improvements. Typically placed in acute hospitals, community rehab services, or mental health teams, Band 7 OTs balance hands-on clinical care with leadership responsibilities.
The expected salary for an NHS Band 7 Occupational Therapist ranges from £43,742 to £50,056 per year (as of the 2024-2025 pay scale), depending on experience and location. This senior role requires a blend of advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, service innovation, and strong mentoring abilities.
To help you succeed in your interview, here are 20 common and insightful questions with tailored sample answers.
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Top 20 NHS Band 7 Occupational Therapist Interview Questions and Sample Answers
Can you describe your experience working at Band 6 and how it has prepared you for a Band 7 role?
Answer: In my Band 6 role, I led case conferences, supervised junior staff, and implemented evidence-based treatment plans across complex caseloads. These experiences honed my leadership and clinical reasoning skills, preparing me to step into a Band 7 position where strategic oversight and staff development are key.
How do you ensure the delivery of person-centred care in a multidisciplinary setting?
Answer: I advocate for joint goal setting with patients, actively involve carers and colleagues in planning, and use communication tools like SBAR and MDT huddles to ensure alignment of care goals across disciplines.
How would you support service development in your department?
Answer: I conduct audits, gather service user feedback, and implement pilot schemes based on research and NICE guidelines. I also facilitate QI projects and contribute to business case proposals.
What’s your approach to managing conflict within your team?
Answer: I address conflict proactively, fostering open communication and using reflective supervision techniques. I apply the NHS resolution framework when necessary and focus on restorative dialogue.
How do you ensure that your practice remains evidence-based?
Answer: I maintain CPD via peer-reviewed journals, attend specialist conferences, and participate in OT networks. I also lead journal clubs and implement new protocols informed by recent research.
Describe a time you led a change or quality improvement project.
Answer: I led a QI initiative to reduce discharge delays in neuro-rehab by standardizing discharge planning documentation, resulting in a 25% improvement in efficiency over six months.
What tools or frameworks do you use to assess complex needs?
Answer: I use the Model of Human Occupation (MOHO), AMPS, and COPM, tailoring assessments to the client’s context and diagnosis to gain a holistic view of occupational performance.
How do you measure clinical effectiveness?
Answer: I use outcome measures such as the Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and satisfaction surveys, along with audit tools aligned with KPIs.
What strategies do you use to mentor junior staff?
Answer: I develop tailored supervision plans, conduct reflective practice sessions, and offer opportunities for co-working and observed practice, underpinned by the RCOT supervision guidelines.
How do you handle a high-pressure situation with limited resources?
Answer: I prioritise based on clinical risk and need, use delegation effectively, and communicate transparently with the team and patients to manage expectations.
How do you ensure culturally competent care?
Answer: I complete training in cultural awareness, use interpreter services, and adapt interventions to align with clients’ values and socio-cultural norms.
Describe how you’ve handled safeguarding concerns in the past.
Answer: I follow local safeguarding policies, escalate concerns promptly, and document thoroughly. I’ve liaised with social care teams and contributed to safeguarding case reviews.
What role does clinical supervision play in your practice?
Answer: Supervision enhances reflective practice, supports emotional wellbeing, and promotes continuous improvement. I both provide and engage in supervision regularly.
How do you balance clinical duties with service leadership?
Answer: I block time for strategic tasks and delegate routine responsibilities when appropriate. I also apply the 80/20 principle to manage high-impact priorities.
What would you do in your first 90 days in this role?
Answer: I’d conduct a service needs assessment, build relationships with the team, review existing protocols, and identify immediate and long-term goals aligned with trust objectives.
How do you manage patient expectations?
Answer: I set realistic, SMART goals collaboratively and provide education about the rehabilitation process, ensuring transparent and empathetic communication.
What clinical area are you most confident in, and why?
Answer: I’m most confident in neurorehabilitation, where I’ve developed expertise in upper limb rehab, cognitive assessments, and goal-directed therapy planning over the last 5 years.
How do you stay compliant with HCPC and RCOT standards?
Answer: I maintain a CPD portfolio, adhere to the RCOT Code of Ethics, and engage in self-assessment against the HCPC standards of proficiency annually.
How do you handle ethical dilemmas in your practice?
Answer: I refer to the RCOT and HCPC codes of conduct, consult with senior clinicians and ethics committees when needed, and ensure patient-centred decision-making.
How would you contribute to the broader goals of the NHS Long Term Plan?
Answer: I support integrated care pathways, promote preventative interventions, and contribute to workforce development through education and leadership.
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Final Interview Tips and Encouragement
NHS interviews for Band 7 Occupational Therapist roles are competitive but also an opportunity to showcase your advanced clinical and leadership capabilities. Remember:
Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.
Familiarise yourself with NHS values and how your practice aligns with them.
Reflect deeply on your clinical experience and how it has prepared you for strategic leadership.
Ask thoughtful questions at the end of the interview—it demonstrates genuine interest and insight.
Practice answering questions out loud or with a mentor to build confidence.
Above all, believe in your journey. You’ve built a strong foundation through years of dedicated practice—now is the time to step forward and lead. You’ve got this!
