Heather Bayliss

Heather Bayliss is a Lecturer in Occupational Therapy at the Department of Allied Health, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Worcester. She has recently transitioned from clinical practice to higher education, taking on her first formal teaching role, where she serves as module lead for Essential Occupational Therapy Practice (OCTH1200) for first-year BSc students.

Education:

• First Class BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy – University of Plymouth & University of Exeter
• People handling and risk assessment key trainer’s certificate – EDGE services
• Palliative Care Concepts and Practice Module – University of West London and Sue Ryder

Heather's research and teaching interests are deeply rooted in her clinical experience across adult mental health, adult social care, and palliative care within hospice settings. She aims to integrate practical insights from her career into her teaching, particularly in areas such as palliative care and moving and handling, to enrich student learning. Her background as a mature student and her diverse clinical journey inform her educational philosophy and student-centered approach.

Although no publications are currently listed, her recent entry into academia suggests emerging scholarly activity, likely to focus on clinical practice education, occupational therapy in end-of-life care, and risk management in healthcare settings.

Professional Memberships and Certifications:

• People Handling and Risk Assessment Key Trainer
• Completed Palliative Care Concepts and Practice Module

Heather is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education to further develop her academic teaching capabilities. While no students or research grants are explicitly mentioned, her role as module lead indicates active involvement in curriculum development and student mentorship. She brings extensive real-world experience to her academic position, supporting the next generation of occupational therapists.

She is supported by the university’s academic infrastructure and is based in the Department of Allied Health, contributing to a growing program in occupational therapy education.