Occupational Therapy News OTnews January 2019 | Page 17

VOLUNTEERING FOCUS ON
the wider world of occupational therapy works and how I could
support it.
‘The board vacancy seemed an unlikely opportunity as I was
not employed in the education system, but I felt my experience of
learning and development in the workplace could contribute to the
board’s work.
‘Being a member of the board has enriched my experience as an
occupational therapist both personally and professionally. Working
with such a pool of experienced and encouraging occupational
therapists has been inspiring and motivating.’
She adds: ‘The position has helped me to understand how RCOT
works to support its members, but also that it wishes to be informed
and learn from its members. The board needs to recruit from all
corners of the UK and from different working areas to represent a
true picture of educational and development issues in the current
climate.
‘It explores wider educational issues, both current and those on
the horizon, to understand the impact and potential opportunities
across the occupational therapy spectrum, thus linking education,
practice and professional guidance together.
‘The board therefore supports RCOT in its wider remit to inform,
assist and guide its members, and I would fully encourage other
occupational therapists to think about applying, as the board itself
grows and benefits from each unique individual that becomes a
member.’
Outgoing member Dr Miranda Thew, from Leeds Beckett
University, adds: ‘I joined the RCOT Board: Learning and
Development in 2016, after being inspired at the biggest ever RCOT
annual conference, and I had received an RCOT Merit Award for
outstanding contribution to the profession at the annual awards
ceremony.
‘Both events allowed me the opportunity to meet and be inspired
by some of the most influential and dynamic members of our
profession, and ignited a desire to support our professional body in
its work to progress occupational therapy for the future. join the board. ‘I’m new to the board, and see joining it as an
opportunity to engage in the profession’s strategies on learning and
development at a national level.’
He goes on: ‘I think that I can make useful contributions to this
work, but also expect to continue the learning trajectory begun when
first becoming an occupational therapist. I’m looking forward working
on the board over the next three years, and to the insights it will give
my department.’
Finally, Elaine Hunter, national AHP consultant for Alzheimer
Scotland, says: ‘In 2016 I decided to try and become more actively
involved in the work of RCOT. I have always understood the value
of practice placements and the influence on career choice and have
also advocated for the need, when working, to be life-long learners.
‘So, when the advert appeared with vacancies for the board, I
decided that would be a great place to start. My career path has
always been in practice and policy, so I updated my CV, sent in my
statement of support and then hoped for the best.
‘I was delighted when I received my email informing me I was
invited to join the group.’
She reflects: ‘When you join the board, you are well supported by
both RCOT and your colleagues at meetings. The discussions about
the impact of UK policy on occupational therapy education and
practice, now and in the future, are inspiring and thought provoking.
‘I have always enjoyed bringing my own experience of
mental health and dementia practice in Scotland to these lively
conversations; the debates and information I take away from the
meetings also adds to my day-to-day work.
‘I have enjoyed my three years on the board. It has offered me
valuable insights into the strategic direction of a professional body
that I am proud to me a member off. I have made some valuable and
sincere connections with occupational therapists from across the UK
and I will be looking to see what other committees or work I could
contribute to when my term of office finishes this summer.’
For information about the current available vacancies on the
RCOT Board: Learning and Development see page 46.
nd
‘My passion for creating learning opportunities for all, including
myself, led me to looking outside my day-to-day role to explore how ‘Learning and development is not only at pre-registration level
and I feel there is much work to do to further the development of all
members to match the ever changing strategic and political climate.
‘I therefore feel the board would particularly benefit from greater
representation from non-university based members, as they can
speak from the “frontline” of practice.’
She concludes: ‘More importantly, I wanted (and still do) to feel I
could influence the strategic direction of the profession, rather than
merely reacting to changes in health and social care political drivers.
‘Being a board member allows you the opportunity to contribute
and comment on policies and professional educational standards
for all four nations, therefore ensuring the profession has an integral
role both within statutory and ever increasingly in non-statutory and
emerging settings.
‘As I’m nearing the end of my tenure, I know I will miss being at a
strategic level and working alongside fellow members who share a
passion and vision for such a vital profession.’
This year saw Dr Nick Pollard, from Sheffield Hallam University,
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