Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2019_Joomag | Page 22

FEATURE LEADERSHIP
profession, which is often misunderstood. Through this
programme, I have promoted occupational therapy to
other professions, explained our focus on meaningful
occupation, the value in occupational engagement and
the varied nature of our role.
‘It was great to see the reactions of those who
were previously unaware of our true role and I am
encouraged they will carry this knowledge through
their careers. Throughout the programme, I felt that
occupational therapy had a voice within a group of
professionals that predominantly practice within a
medical model.’
Next steps
So what is next for the programme’s participants?
Nichole Yam, who is on the pre-registration MSc at
Leeds Beckett University, believes this programme
has complemented her development as a student:
‘Especially considering the new RCOT Strategic
Intentions 2018-2023, which outline our responsibility
to advocate for our profession as a key contributor to
health and wellbeing of people in the UK (RCOT 2018).
Leadership is essential to paving the way for this,’ she
says.
‘To secure the future of our profession at this pivotal
time, occupational therapists need to gather confidence
to rise amidst growing recognition for the transformative
potential of AHPs in healthcare trusts (NHS Improvement
2018).
‘As students, we are being encouraged to be self-
initiated learners, innovative problem solvers and even
project developers in diverse settings, for example in
problem-based learning and role-emerging placements
(Thew et al 2011).
‘This programme has aptly facilitated this process
and taken it to another level by giving us opportunities to
connect, share and be inspired by accomplished leaders
and ambitious, like-minded individuals.’
She adds: ‘We deconstructed the abstract concept
of leadership, laid out practical strategies and were
reassured that leadership can start with anyone
and anywhere, even as (and perhaps especially as)
students. This provided a boost of confidence to
motivate us with the overarching message of “you can
do this too”.
‘For many of us, a multitude of new opportunities
have opened up as we have been inspired to present
at or organise conferences and events, take on new
leadership positions in university bodies, to engage in
advocacy and start new projects.
‘Through a snowball effect this may propel us
onwards to aim high and push boundaries, whether
through challenging situations at service level,
22 OTnews February 2019
developing partnerships towards sustainable goals,
or lobbying and influencing decision makers and the
general public about the value of our profession.’
Taking up the mantle
One of the occupational therapy 150 leaders, Deborah
Tunnicliffe, has already taken up the mantle from the
Council of Deans to use her acquired skills to promote
leadership and educate her healthcare student peers.
Along with another occupational therapy student and
two mental health nursing students from the University of
Derby, Deborah co-hosted a regional student leadership
day, welcoming delegates from across the UK.
‘We organised five speakers from different
professional backgrounds, interactive workshops and
recruitment exhibitors,’ she reflects. ‘The event was well
received and will hopefully inspire others to hold similar
days in the future.’
As Nichole concludes: ‘All of us found the
programme to be a rich learning opportunity, forming a
firm foundation for the development of future leadership
skills. As the next generation of clinicians, we are
empowered to feel it is never too early to get involved
and take a lead in shaping and securing the future of
occupational therapy.’
Elissa agrees: ‘The programme was invaluable. The
confidence I gained while learning from individuals from
across the healthcare sector is immeasurable. The
opportunities to network and to continue being part of
further events is exciting and inspiring for any student
starting out on this journey.’
References
NHS Improvement (2018) Leadership of allied health
professions in trusts: what exists and what matters.
London: NHS. Available from: https://improvement.nhs.uk/
resources/leadership-allied-health-professions-trusts-what-
exists-and-what-matters/[Accessed 14 July 2018]
RCOT (2018) The Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Strategic Intentions 2018-2023. London: RCOT. Available
from: www.rcot.co.uk/about-us/governance/strategic-
intentions [Accessed 14 July 2018]
Thew M, Edwards M. Baptiste S and Molineux M (2011) Role
emerging occupational therapy: Maximising occupation-
focused practice. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.,
pp. 123-134.
Vora T (2016) Leadership and change: Build these three
muscles. Available from: http://qaspire.com/2016/04/15/
leadership-and-change-build-these-three-muscles/
[Accessed 6 September 2017]
To find out more about the programme visit https://
councilofdeans.org.uk/studentleadership/