About VRA

The VRA is a multi-disciplinary UK-wide organisation supporting and promoting all those working in vocational rehabilitation and commissioning services whether in the public, private, voluntary or third sector.

Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioners
Case Managers
OT, Physios, Psychologist, Counsellors
Rehabilitation Counsellors
Employment Support Specialists
Disability Employment Advisors
Occupational Health Practitioners
HR Advisors
Line Managers
Social Workers
Union Representatives
GPs  / Consultants / Nurses
Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioners
Case Managers
OT, Physios, Psychologist, Counsellors
Rehabilitation Counsellors
Employment Support Specialists
Disability Employment Advisors
Occupational Health Practitioners
HR Advisors
Line Managers
Social Workers
Union Representatives
GPs  / Consultants / Nurses
Vocational Rehabilitation Practitioners
Case Managers
OT, Physios, Psychologist, Counsellors
Rehabilitation Counsellors
Employment Support Specialists
Disability Employment Advisors
Occupational Health Practitioners
HR Advisors
Line Managers
Social Workers
Union Representatives
GPs  / Consultants / Nurses
Summery

Our Aims

The aims of the VRA are to:

  • Promote the professional knowledge, attitudes and skills of vocational rehabilitation practitioners
  • Provide a vehicle for the exchange of ideas and experience across the UK
  • Contribute towards the development of quality standards and training
  • Promote equal opportunities within our field of practice
  • Increase awareness and recognition of vocational rehabilitation throughout the world of work
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Organisational Members
Who We Are

Vocational Rehabilitation Association

Rehabilitation, in the health context, involves facilitating optimal participation for disadvantaged individuals in society.  Furthermore, vocational rehabilitation (VR) maximises participation in the workforce. Vocational rehabilitation practitioners (VRPs) tend to be health/rehabilitation professionals, specialising in understanding health in the context of work. Other VRPs are employment experts with specialist knowledge of health and/or disability issues.

VRPs assist:

  • those who have difficulties in entering the workforce;
  • those having difficulties with their current jobs; and
  • those who are out of work but seeking help to re-enter employment.

The VRA represents all those involved in delivering VR services. Consequently a number of groups are involved from both health (NHS and private) and other government agencies e.g. the Department for Work and Pensions.

We are aware of the deficient VR services in the UK and strive to develop greater provision with an appropriately skilled workforce. We help and encourage employers (through both HR and occupational health) to be more aware of, and better understand, the value of providing VR. In turn this assists employers retain employees despite of ill health. It also helps reduce sickness absence and aids the economy through reducing the costs of ill-health benefits.

The Association exists to:

  • help people working in the field of disability and employment;
  • to promote and develop their personal, professional and practical skills; and also
  • to maintain their awareness of a broad range of rehabilitation issues.

The Association is committed to:

  • fulfilling aims that will ensure the recognition of the skills and knowledge of practitioners;
  • setting and furthering standards for future practitioners; and also
  • providing a competence framework for users of vocational rehabilitation services.

We do this by:

VR: The Process
"I have always felt that getting people back to or remaining in work is what I consider to be ‘real OT’ and is such a valuable contribution we can make to people who are disadvantaged by illness or injury."
I have so enjoyed my VR journey where I have been able to experience working in a wide range of sectors, statutory, voluntary, corporate and being self-employed and even having my own business.
Sue Godby
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How It Works

The Process of VR

Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Vocational rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary intervention offered to those with physical, psychological and/or social difficulties enabling a return to work or preventing loss of work.

Techniques used in VR can include:

  • assessment, appraisal, programme evaluation and research.
  • goal setting and intervention planning.
  • provision of health advice and promotion, in support of returning to work.
  • support for self-management of health conditions.
  • making adjustments to the medical and psychological impact of a disability.
  • case management, referral, and service co-ordination.
  • psychosocial interventions.
  • career counselling, job analysis, job development, and placement services.
  • functional and work capacity evaluations.
What Is VR?
Stats

Our Members Impact

Being a VRA member does not just open the door to exciting opportunities in your career development. It also gives you access to a first-class range of services designed to support you in your professional life.