The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) announces that Julia Scott, RCOT’s Chief Executive, will be leaving the organisation in the new year.
Julia has been working to support RCOT members and further raise the profile and value of occupational therapy for almost fifteen years as Chief Executive. In that time, the organisation has achieved Royal status, grown its membership and increased the profile of both the organisation and the profession.
Commenting on the announcement Chief Executive, Julia Scott said: “I feel that now is the right time to start a new chapter in my life, safe in the knowledge that RCOT has never been in a better position.
“I will always be incredibly proud of our profession. It has been a privilege to have played a part in raising the profile of occupational therapy so that more people understand its value, while also supporting our members to provide the best possible occupational therapy services to the people who most need them. I would like to thank our members for their support over the years and for the difference they make to people’s lives every single day.”
“ After 38 years in the profession, nearly fifteen of those as Chief Executive and prior to that three years on Council, it’s time for a new challenge. I’m looking forward to exploring opportunities with national and local charities and in the membership association field.”
“I am very grateful for the support I’ve received over the years from RCOT’s Council, leadership team, staff and members. During my final few months as Chief Executive, I will continue to put the needs of our members at the heart of everything we do, while supporting the recruitment of my successor and preparing a robust transition plan.”
Chair of Council, Professor Diane Cox commented, “Julia has made an outstanding contribution to RCOT and, on behalf of Council, I would like to thank her for her unwavering commitment, passion and enthusiasm. We are immensely grateful for her hard work in taking RCOT and the profession to its current position of strength.”
“She will leave a long and impactful legacy both at RCOT and the profession as a whole. Over her time as Chief Executive she has driven through a governance restructure and strengthened the leadership and structure of the organisation. She has personally developed strong relationships with other agencies and fellow professional bodies, used her background in social care to raise the profile of the profession in that area and increased our influence with government-elected representatives and policy leads.”
“Over the next few months I will be leading the search to find the new Chief Executive. My priority will be to find the best individual to lead RCOT; this is a great opportunity to build on RCOT’s strong foundations and to position the profession to respond to future health and social care challenges.”