We’re looking for volunteers to join the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT)/RCOT Council. You’ll debate issues and help make decisions that influence our organisation and profession. You’ll become a leader in the occupational therapy community and be vital in the governing of RCOT. Being a member of Council is intellectually stimulating and gives you the opportunity to learn about business management and professional body administration. It's a demanding volunteer role, but rewarding too:
As a new Chair of Council, I’ve found it very valuable to learn about how RCOT works and be involved in decision making at the top level of my professional body. The CPD value in terms of leadership is a real benefit for my development, covering topics I haven’t tackled before. It’s great to give members a voice particularly when RCOT is at such an exciting phase of its transformation. – Odeth Richardson, Chair of Council.
Who are we looking for?
- Chair of Council – elected annually.
- An inspiring and confident leader who’ll manage our organisation, chair Council meetings and ensure the Council function effectively.
- Council member, Northern Ireland – elected every three years.
- A member working or living in Northern Ireland who wants to be involved in our organisation and champion occupational therapy.
- Council member, Research and Development – elected every three years.
- A member who’s active in research, and has expanded the evidence base and capability within the profession.
Who can become a member of BAOT/RCOT Council?
We value the diversity of our membership, and we strongly encourage all sections of our community to apply, especially those from under-represented groups. And we welcome broad perspectives, skills and experiences.
- Nominees must be RCOT professional members.
- Nominees for Chair need to have been a member for five years or more.
- Get the support of your manager. Holding these posts requires time away from work which they need to be aware of.
- Current holders of these Council positions are able to stand for re-election should they wish to.
What is a Council member?
RCOT is a registered charity and wholly owned subsidiary of BAOT, which acts on behalf of all members of BAOT.
- A Council member of both BAOT and RCOT.
- A director of both BAOT and RCOT (registered at Companies House).
- As RCOT is a charity, you’ll also become a trustee of RCOT.
What’ll you do as a Council member?
- Attend four one-day meetings a year, held in London or virtually.
- Attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Annual Conference.
- Be formally responsible for the governance of the organisation, including financial matters, managing identified risks and agreeing and monitoring the organisation’s strategic plan.
- Be ready to consider issues you might not have experience of, thinking beyond your own role and personal views.
- Ensure corporate governance and act as a leader of the profession.
- Be ready to consider issues you might not have experience of, thinking beyond your own role and personal views.
- Contribute to discussions and decisions extending beyond your own area of practice and experience to safeguard the organisation and its members.
- Be responsible for controlling the management and administration of the charity and abide by the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.
- Read and consider a large number of documents before each Council meeting. You’ll also receive emails which may ask you to supply specific information by a deadline.
How to nominate someone
- Contact Clare Leggett, Business Support Manager at clare.leggett@rcot.co.uk for nomination forms and additional information about the nomination process.
- Nominators and seconders must be members of RCOT.
- Nominees must be RCOT professional members (of at least five years for the role of Chair).
- Send your nominations in either as a hard or electronic copy.
- We’ll accept nominations until 12pm (midday) on Friday 3 March 2023.
How is someone elected?
Election will be by a ballot of BAOT members. The independent scrutineer for the ballot, appointed in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, will be Civica Election Services. Election results will be announced at the AGM in June 2023.
How can you find out more?
Learn more about how we’re run. If you’d like a confidential informal discussion with Steve Ford, Chief Executive, or Odeth Richardson, Chair of Council, contact Clare Leggett at clare.leggett@rcot.co.uk or 020 3141 4645.