RCOT
With big ambitions for RCOT and the occupational therapy profession we need our governance to be fit for purpose and future-proof . Here we share why Council is reviewing our governance and what the journey will look like .
In order to safeguard our futures , we need to make changes to our governance . Good governance is essential , it ’ s the way an organisation runs , decisions are made and leaders are held accountable for outcomes .”
RCOT
Feature
Strengthening our governance
With big ambitions for RCOT and the occupational therapy profession we need our governance to be fit for purpose and future-proof . Here we share why Council is reviewing our governance and what the journey will look like .
W e have big ambitions for RCOT and the occupational therapy profession and to be able to deliver on them , we need our governance to be fit for purpose and future-proof . We need our governance to be effective so that we ’ re a more responsive , focused and efficient organisation , able to deliver the greatest impact we possibly can .
Our governance has evolved over many years . As a result , there isn ’ t clear differentiation where there should be , some aspects are out of date or more complicated than needed , and we ’ re not as compliant as we should be .
Our Council is responsible for our governance and that ’ s why they are leading the review . They ’ ve set up a project team , with Odeth Richardson , Chair of Council , Paul Dunning , Council member for Wales , and Cathryn Holding , Council member , Industrial Relations , Steve Ford , our Chief Executive , and our internal governance review specialist . They are also taking external expert advice .
Cathryn explains : ‘ In order to safeguard our futures , we need to make changes to our governance . Good governance is essential , it ’ s the way an organisation runs , decisions are made and leaders are held accountable for outcomes .’
We are taking a phased approach , and over the next few years , they will be looking at how we ’ re legally structured and the processes , standards , rules and practices that we follow . And they ’ ll be keeping members informed at every stage and creating opportunities for members to talk with them about it .
What is governance ?
Governance is a framework for managing organisations and it covers how an organisation is run and makes decisions , how the leaders are held to account for decisions and outcomes , and the systems , processes , policies , controls and authorities .
A strong governance framework supports our Council and Senior Management Team to run RCOT legally , ethically , sustainably and successfully , for the benefit of our members , staff , stakeholders , and for the good of wider society . It identifies who can make decisions , who has the authority to act on behalf of the organisation and who is accountable for how an organisation and its people behave and perform .
It also covers how the organisation is legally structured and the processes , standards , rules , and practices followed . It guides operations and administration , ethics , risk management and compliance with relevant legislation and regulation .
In order to safeguard our futures , we need to make changes to our governance . Good governance is essential , it ’ s the way an organisation runs , decisions are made and leaders are held accountable for outcomes .”
12 OTnews April 2024