Insight into RCOT Board of Trustees and BAOT Council April meetings

At a glance

RCOT Board of Trustees 

• The RCOT 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts were approved
• Trustees reviewed progress on professional standards and workforce strategy
• Steps were agreed to ensure fair and consistent of any issues member conduct
• Trustees discussed sustainability, environmental responsibility and ethical finance 

BAOT Council 

• BAOT’s 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts were approved
• Preparations for the Annual General Meeting were discussed
• Council received updates on UNISON arrangements and Council elections
• We thanked Council members who are standing down for their contribution

A closer look

RCOT Board of Trustees meeting

Annual Report and Accounts 

Trustees approved the RCOT Annual Report and Accounts following the auditors’ final report. Rigorous scrutiny of our finances remains one of our most important responsibilities and this approval reflects confidence in our stewardship and controls. 

Professional standards 

The latest draft of updated RCOT professional standards was shared for information. Trustees showed strong engagement and passion, reflecting the importance of this work in supporting safe, effective practice. The standards continue to align closely with HCPC expectations. 

Workforce strategy 

Trustees approved the next phase of workforce strategy activity. We recognised that occupational therapy is not always visible enough in national health and care models and discussed opportunities to strengthen our voice, particularly in Scotland and Wales. By the end of 2026, work will be underway to co‑produce a neighbourhood health map, helping position occupational therapy more confidently in this space. 

Positioning the profession 

Trustees received a paper providing assurance on our national influencing and strategic positioning work. The discussion gave confidence in the direction of travel and the focus on improving visibility and understanding of occupational therapy. 

International engagement 

An update from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists conference was shared, including early discussions about joint positioning and shared advocacy opportunities internationally. 

Member conduct and governance 

Trustees approved the establishment of a Conduct Committee Working Group to oversee activity leading to the formation of a Committee dealing with matters relating to member conduct. This strengthens governance and ensures we have clear, fair and transparent processes for handling concerns and investigations.

Internal controls and sustainability 

Trustees approved changes to the scheme of delegation to strengthen internal controls relating to procurement of services and contract approvals. We also discussed sustainability, including reducing our carbon footprint, advancing environmental responsibility and ensuring ethical and efficient financial stewardship as we look ahead to our new strategy.

BAOT Council meeting

Annual Report and Accounts 

Council approved the BAOT Annual Report and Accounts following completion of the audit process.

AGM preparation 

Council discussed formal approval of AGM papers and preparations for the June AGM. Considerable attention is being given to ensuring strong governance, transparency and due diligence.

UNISON update 

Council received an update on the UNISON contract, including work on succession planning and recruitment of UNISON stewards. There is a clear focus on improving coverage, diversity and representation.

Council elections 

We discussed the upcoming Council elections. There is a strong pipeline of interest, with elections still open at this stage.

Thanks and recognition 

We marked the final meeting for colleagues, Dr Anita Atwal, Paul Dunning and Cathryn Holding, who are standing down from Council, with thanks given for their significant contribution and commitment to the profession.

Closing reflections

Both meetings reinforced the importance of clarity, confidence and accountability in how we govern and represent occupational therapy. Whether through strengthening professional standards, improving visibility, or ensuring robust governance, our focus remains on acting in members’ best interests and supporting the long‑term strength of the profession.

Thank you, as always, for everything you contribute to occupational therapy every day.

Odeth Richardson 
Chair, BAOT Council and RCOT Board of Trustees

The formal minutes from both meetings will be shared after they are approved at the next Board and Council meetings in July.