The document provides an introduction to the professional network of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT) and the College of Occupational Therapists (COT). It aims to answer questions about the organizations, provide an understanding of their structures and roles, and support member engagement and development. The BAOT is the professional body and trade union for occupational therapists in the UK, while the COT is an educational charity. Decisions are made through the councils and boards. Members can get involved and influence the organizations through various formal and informal roles. Resources and benefits are available to members.

1. BAOT/COT Introduction to the Professional Network Facilitated by Lee Roach, Membership Development Manager Louise Cusack, Specialist Section Manager

2. Aims of the session Answer questions about the organisation Provide a consistent understanding of the structure and role of council, committees and sub committees Support members who volunteer within the organisation Support members to engage and meet other members and staff Emphasise the essential role of members to BAOT/COT Support your own development and role Update you on the organisation current position

3. Exercise 1 Post it notes Pens Write the questions you want answered!

4. The context of today Introduce and answer questions of the organisation Provide a consistent understanding of the structure and role Support good practice for the members who volunteer within the organisation Support members to engage and meet other members Explain the diversity of the roles responsibilities within BAOT/COT Support your own development (CPD) Update you on where the organisation is

5. The British Association of Occupational Therapists Professional Body and Trade Union for occupational therapy staff in the UK The Council of BAOT is made up of members of the BAOT and takes decisions about the management, direction and functioning of the organisation

7. Is a subsidiary of the BAOT

8. Staff/Officers are employed to provide the membership benefits you receive

9. The Council of BAOT/COT takes decisions about the management, direction and functioning of the organisation

11. How are decisions made within BAOT? Council–20 members who are Directors of BAOT and Trustees of COT UK wide - Jo Griffin Council Member Wales Boards (Country and Functional) Sub committees Projects groups Time limited working groups Policy working groups Commissioned work Case study

12. BAOT/COT Structure

14. How you formally influence the organisation

15. How informally influence the organisation An article for OTN/BJOT or website Twitter/ Facebook/LinkedIn Write for Specialist Sections newsletter Assist with a study day/support an event Write for publication- Practice Publications Group Participate in audit/surveys/research Become a reviewer/expert for the COT Consultancy Service Participate in UK national guideline development Take an active part in a Specialist Sections and/or a BAOT local groups Promote OT Comment, feedback, email, write letters, join in discussion forums and web articles, many more………

16. Specialist Sections are a group of Occupational Therapists and support staff with a common practice interest. They are known as a Specialist Section, a Branch of the College of Occupational Therapists.

17. Exclusive practice guidance News and information, newsletters and e-news Networking CPD /Professional development/HPC requirements Learning events Specialist Forums/Clinical Forums/ Regional Groups Facilitate knowledge transfer Build capacity and knowledge Share knowledge, information and best practice Influence, develop and support national policy Peace of mind Specialist Sections provide...

19. Roles and Responsibilities of the Branches and Committees of BAOT/COT Many of you may have an identity within your committee or branch of BAOT/COT as chair, secretary, public relations etc Many have been either appointed by our peers, elected by other members, or even employed The effectiveness of the BAOT/COT is greater if we operate as a team taking responsibility for shared goals and personal responsibility for aspects of it

20. Joint statement on CPD Fifteen organisations have now signed up to the joint statement on CPD for health and social care practitioners. It includes the statement that six days a year is the minimum recommended for CPD time. http://www.cot.org.uk/Homepage/Professional_Development/CPD_and_ILOD/Joint_statement_on_CPD/

21. Resources available to you CPD TOOLS ILOD - Interactive Learning Opportunities Database Career History (CV) and Current Job Description Personal Development Plan (PDP) and most current Performance Appraisal Reflection Logs Sample Achievements of Learning (e.g. research paper, improved client outcomes in practice, design of new rehabilitation programme) COT website – www.cot.org.uk Other (e.g. course certificates; letters from users, carers, colleagues, etc)

22. Practical Resources Professional examples: Professional enquiries line 0207450 2330, Guideline development work, work with outside agencies, COT Officers, Publishing Your Work In conjunction with COT and Briefings Publicity example: via COT website, OTnews, BJOT, Managers e-bulletin, Highlight, e networks (Helen Williams) COT facilities: (special arrangements) rooms, early booking advisable, at free to all COT groups Library facilities: current awareness bulletins, archiving journals and entry to Welcome Foundation Web team: website construction, updates, changes, expert advice Financial support: grants, capitation monies, benevolent funds Support for committee and project work: funding travel, resources funding, assistance

23. http://www.cot.org.uk/Homepage/Regional_Groups/Members_Manual/

24. What’s Hot at COT?Our business…………. Lobbying Elections May Manifesto New tax year 75% tax relief HQ essential building works BAOT/COT budget constraints Welsh Assembly changes to legislative process Wales Ten reasons to use ot services Membership recruitment target 78% of market share OT LD Research Amputee guidelines HPC Audit www.youtube.com New COT publication-Return to practice New e-journal service launched for members (12 titles)

29. Questions? Post It Note Most frequently asked questions? http://www.cot.org.uk/Homepage/Regional_Groups/Members_Manual/

30. Feedback Louise Cusack or Lee Roach College of Occupational Therapists louise.cusack@cot.co.uk lee.roach@cot.co.uk