Equity , diversity and belonging begins with self-reflection and recognising the privileges associated with our profession .
Equity , diversity and belonging begins with self-reflection and recognising the privileges associated with our profession .
‘ The EDB Strategy marks the start of a challenging journey , but by embracing and actively participating in it , the membership and profession can bring about longlasting positive change .
The final word goes to Ketan , who said on the day of the strategy ’ s launch : ‘ One of the things that I ’ m proud of is the fact we can say that this is a truly co-created strategy . We worked with members from across all four nations , all regions , as well as members of our affinity and expert advisory groups , and colleagues .
‘ And we ’ ve listened . During the consultation phase , we really examined what the feedback was ; what was it that our members and our colleagues were saying ? And the result is gold standard .’
Words TRACEY SAMUELS , OTnews Editor , in conversation with Hannah Spencer , Rachel Booth-Gardiner , Samantha Flowers and Suhailah Mohamed .
You can choose the version of the Equity , Diversity and Belonging ( EDB ) Strategy 2024 – 2027 that works best for you . You can download and keep a copy , there are designed , text only and easy read versions , and if you ’ d prefer to listen to the strategy , there is an audio version . There are also videos from Steve and Odeth and look out for more information on the planned toolkit , which will be available early next year . Visit www . rcot . co . uk / edb-strategy .
Our strategic priorities , aims and actions
The EDB Strategy sets out six strategic priorities with corresponding strategic aims and example actions . These include :
Accountability and commitment : Our members , staff and volunteers understand that EDB is all of our responsibility and that words and good intentions are not enough . RCOT will :
• Through our actions , oppose discrimination , demonstrate effective allyship and be transparent and accountable .
• Demonstrate to the public , our staff , members , volunteers , learners and stakeholders that EDB is part of who we are and how we work .
Effective leadership : RCOT leadership team and Council visibly champion EDB and this strategy , role model anti-racism and anti-discrimination , consistently demonstrating effective allyship . RCOT will :
• Model the change we want to see through our culture , policies , practices and systems .
• Cultivate an inclusive culture , with health and wellbeing at its heart , to reflect our organisational and professional values .
Diverse and thriving profession : RCOT understands and works to remove barriers to entry , to open up occupational therapy as a profession to better reflect the diversity of the UK . RCOT will :
• Work to ensure that our staff and volunteers better reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities they serve .
• Embed EDB throughout our standards and stakeholder relationships .
• Build alliances and partnerships with community groups to encourage those from historically underserved communities to see occupational therapy as a solution to their needs .
Learning , development and confidence : Our members , staff and volunteers are confident and skilled in championing EDB and challenging inequity , injustice , and discrimination . RCOT will :
• Build our members ’, staff ’ and volunteers ’ understanding of EDB and develop skills and confidence to actively oppose discrimination .
• Build alliances and partnerships with organisations and groups that share our priorities to support learning and increase EDB awareness of occupational therapists .
Safe and inclusive culture : RCOT has an inclusive culture , with health and wellbeing at the heart , that is truly reflective of our organisational and professional values . RCOT will :
• Increase representation and celebrate diversity in everything we do and how we communicate .
• Assist our members , especially those from historically marginalised and under-represented communities , to be the best they can be , as their true and authentic selves , throughout their career .
Transparency : RCOT is critically self-reflective , transparent and intentional in communicating our commitment to , and progress with EDB to build trust in our organisation . RCOT will :
• Share and celebrate successes and be honest about failings and things we need to change .
• Understand the diverse needs of those we work with , and use a strong evidence base to provide constructive support , prioritise where and how we act , and measure our progress .
Examples of the actions for each of these strategic aims are on the website www . rcot . co . uk / edb-action-plan-and-reporting .
December 2023 OTnews 19