Building Bridges: How Collaboration is Shaping the Future of Work and Health

In a sector as diverse and dynamic as work and health, collaboration isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a necessity. This was the resounding message from the recent meeting that brought together representatives from the Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA), Institute of Occupational Health (iOH), Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics (ACPOHE), Case Management Society UK (CMSUK), and the British Association of Brain Injury and Complex Case Management (BABICM). The session was more than a routine catch-up; it was a demonstration of how shared purpose and open dialogue can drive meaningful progress. 

The meeting opened with a sense of optimism and unity. New trustees were welcomed, and the group quickly reaffirmed their commitment to breaking down professional silos. There was a palpable energy in the (virtual) room as participants discussed the importance of sharing resources, good practice, and building relationships that transcend organisational boundaries. The consensus was clear: by working together, these organisations can amplify their collective impact and better serve both their members and the wider community.

One of the most significant outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to establish a central resource, a living document that will capture the breadth of activities, projects, and expertise across all organisations. This shared resource will not only help members and stakeholders understand the full scope of what’s happening in the sector but also foster new opportunities for collaboration and support.

Regular communication emerged as another cornerstone of this partnership. Each organisation committed to providing ongoing updates about their current workstreams, challenges, and opportunities. By sharing these insights at future meetings, the group aims to identify areas where they can support one another and avoid duplication of effort. There was also enthusiasm for using technology, specifically, AI tools, to turn meeting transcripts into accessible blog posts and summaries such as this one. This approach ensures that every meeting leaves a tangible legacy and keeps all members in the loop, even if they can’t attend in person. 

The meeting also highlighted the value of coordinated event attendance. With several major conferences and sector gatherings on the horizon, the group discussed ways to maximise their collective visibility and ensure strong representation. Whether it’s the NEC event, IOSH/IOH conferences, or other key dates, these organisations are committed to supporting each other and presenting a united front.

Another exciting development is the intention to involve MSc students in research and project work. By tapping into the fresh perspectives and analytical skills of students, the group hopes to accelerate progress on literature reviews, data analysis, and other collaborative projects. This not only benefits the organisations but also helps nurture the next generation of professionals in the field. 

So, what’s happening across the organisations right now? The VRA is finalising a positioning document to clarify the scope of vocational rehabilitation and is developing a competency framework with the help of an MSc student. Plans are underway for a June conference focused on health across the lifespan, and the association is preparing to host its awards at the House of Commons in December. VRA remains active in research and policy discussions, particularly around case management, and continues to offer a robust webinar series and online resources. 

Meanwhile, iOH is gearing up for the NEC event and the Ruth Alstone Memorial Dinner, running webinars, and developing an AI group that recently published a joint guide with the Society of Occupational Medicine. The organisation is also planning a workshop on strategic transformation using AI, seeking funding for ongoing research, and launching a new helpline and wellbeing platform for its members. Recent months have seen the publication of a career coaching toolkit and increased participation in sector conferences.

ACPOHE is leading the musculoskeletal health and pain workstream at the NEC Health at Work event, building a new website, and running regular webinars. The association is collaborating with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy and other networks on a major project to update the competency framework for occupational health physios. ACPOHE is also engaged in meetings with the Department for Work and Pensions and is involved as a vanguard organisation in the “Keep Britain Working” initiative

Although CMSUK and BABICM were not present at this particular meeting, their involvement is seen as vital for bringing a case management perspective, especially given the current focus on scaling case management in the sector. The group is committed to ensuring their continued participation in future meetings and to maintaining a truly comprehensive sector perspective. 

Underlying all these updates is a shared commitment to cross-professional collaboration, education, and consistent messaging to external stakeholders. By working together, these organisations are not only advancing their own missions but also strengthening the entire work and health sector. As the group looks ahead, members can expect more regular updates, new opportunities for involvement, and a continued focus on breaking down barriers—because together, we are stronger.

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