We are aware that the Capita PIP advert that ran in the May issue of OTnews and their sponsorship of the 2017 annual conference has caused concern to some of our members.
We have reflected member's concerns about the advert back to Capita PIP who have agreed to change its wording for future advertisements in OTnews. We have also taken steps to ensure that any adverts we run in our publications or on our website are considered more carefully to avoid any future confusion or miscommunication.
Commercial activities provide important income that helps RCOT to deliver member benefits and services, including our Annual Conference. Sponsorships are considered by our communications and marketing teams before acceptance to ensure that they do not conflict with RCOT’s professional or ethical standards. Such commercial activities themselves do not represent RCOT’s endorsement of any particular product, service or view.
We appreciate the strength of feeling some members have regarding Capita. However, having been awarded the contract by the Government to carry out PIP assessments we have to recognise them as part of the landscape in which our members work. We believe that people with disabilities deserve the best assessment possible and regard occupational therapists as expert assessors. However, RCOT does not recommend that our members either should or should not work for any particular employer. We will always support our members regardless of their employer.
We would encourage any members with specific concerns about how PIP assessments are being delivered to raise them with us. We will then endeavour to liaise with the Department of Work and Pensions on members behalf. We want to help ensure that those with disabilities and long term health conditions have a good experience of the PIP assessment process and receive the most appropriate support.
For any further queries please contact MediaOfficer@rcot.co.uk
