Occupational Therapy News OTnews February 2020 | Page 57

VOLUNTEERING FOCUS ON In this role, I took over co-ordination of the e-journal club, as well as having the opportunity to attend the national audit of intermediate care for two consecutive years, representing RCOTSS-OP. I found being able bring my experiences from work to influence at national level, and apply what I learnt at national level to my day job, was both rewarding and mutually beneficial to both roles. A further change to my job role meant that I needed to step down from the intermediate care role. At that stage, the role of treasurer had been vacant for some time and I wanted to remain within the committee. I was voted into the role, and received an induction from the RCOT finance team, as well as support from the chair and rest of the committee. A major aspect of the treasurer role includes setting a budget for the year, which involves looking at expected income (membership subscription) and matching it with the activity expected for the year. Much of the activity of specialist sections is cost neutral, including producing a newsletter, maintaining the website and attending RCOT meetings. However, a lot of activity relies on funding from two co-leads, which means that you can learn as you go and have support when you need it. Being a part of the committee has enabled me to meet many other occupational therapists across the UK and hear about new developments and innovative ideas nationally. For occupational therapists looking to broaden their horizons, work alongside other occupational therapists across the country, have opportunities to influence at national level and help to improve services for older people, then I would encourage you to talk to someone about the RCOTSS-OP vacancies currently available. Current vacancies are on the website at: www.rcot.co.uk/about- us/specialist-sections/older-people-rcot-ss. I am stepping down from the treasurer role in March, so if you would like more information about the role please get in touch at: [email protected]. The specialist sections play an important part in developing members’ experiences, networking and continuing professional development. Being a proactive member of the committees that run membership subscriptions, including national executive committee meetings, research awards and book reviews, for example. Keeping a strong hold on the finances means that the specialist section can achieve more each year for members. In the last year, RCOTSS-OP has increased its research grant from £1,000 to £5,000, while it has also been running a Country Award, which, for the last three years, has enabled four members each year to attend the RCOT annual conference. In addition the specialist section has spent money on a webinar platform to enable it to run monthly webinars for members. Some years bring additional activity, such as attending The OT Show or NAIDEX, and the treasurer needs to ensure we can support the specialist section being represented at such events. Using our funds wisely has meant that our subscriptions have not increased in over 10 years, ensuring that, in times where cost of living increases have not matched inflation, we can still offer value for money on membership fees. Being a part of the committee has provided me with excellent opportunities to attend conference, influence at national level and share knowledge with my day job. All committee members complete their committee roles in addition to their regular day job, so good time management is essential. I have found other committee members to be very supportive, and they will help you to settle into the role. RCOT provides an induction programme and many of the clinical forum roles have the specialist sections can be really rewarding and provides some fantastic opportunities not available elsewhere. Chris Bowden, clinical discharge lead and occupational therapist, Poole Hospital Foundation NHS Trust and treasurer, RCOT Specialist Section for Older People. Twitter: @RCOT_OP Specialist sections are branches of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) that provide professional direction and leadership for occupational therapists working in specialist areas of practice. To be a member of a specialist section you must be also be a member of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. There are 10 specialist sections: • Children, Young People and Families • Housing • Independent Practice • Mental Health • Neurological Practice • Older People • Oncology and Palliative Care • People with Learning Disabilities • Trauma and Musculoskeletal Health • Work To find out more about all the specialist sections and how to join, visit: www.rcot.co.uk/about-us/specialistsections. ‘I would encourage all occupational therapists to be part of the professional community by joining a specialist section. Once you are a member there are many opportunities for networking, developing your skills, knowledge and experience, and supporting your continuing professional development, and as Chris has shown, getting involved in the NEC to broaden your experience can be very rewarding.’ Louise Cusack, UK branch manager at RCOT OTnews February 2020 57