Government may ‘ revoke ’ mandatory COVID vaccination for health and care staff in England
The government has announced that it will consult on the legal requirement for frontline NHS staff in England to be vaccinated against COVID-19 .
This means that the deadline for all NHS patientfacing occupational therapists in England , along will other allied health professions to get a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by 3 February 2022 and be fully vaccinated by 1 April 2022 is no longer applicable .
The NHS has now written to employers telling them not to serve notices of termination to staff who are unvaccinated .
BAOT / Unison supports the vaccination programme in health and social care , though we disagree with the government ’ s decision to mandate the vaccine .
We still encourage all members who do not have a medical exemption to speak with colleagues and local representatives about vaccine hesitancy and be vaccinated .
© Daisy-Daisy via Getty Images
Lead the profession and stand for Council
We are looking for inspiring and experienced leaders to stand for RCOT / BAOT Council .
Nominations are now open for professional members to step forward for the following roles : Chair of Council ; Council Member , Northern Ireland ; Council Member , Wales ; and Council Member , Research and Development .
As Chair , you will help implement our new strategy and lead our team in achieving lifechanging breakthroughs for members , the people they support and society . Using your role as a leader and ambassador to elevate the profession , you will be the public face of occupational therapy to government and other local , national and international bodies .
If you ’ re interested in the role of Chair we can arrange an informal conversation with Steve Ford , Chief Executive , or Professor Diane Cox , Chair of Council , or you can watch a short video of Diane talking to Steve about her three years in the role , why she is stepping down , and what her highlights have been .
As one of the Council members in the other three roles available , you will think strategically ,
make key decisions about RCOT ’ s work and represent your professional community .
We know that joining Council takes commitment , but it will be a rewarding and stimulating experience . To lessen the demands on your time commitment , and to allow for more members to engage in leadership opportunities with us , Council recently agreed to change its rules .
This means that council members no longer need to also sit as Chair on one of our six boards – England , Northern Ireland , Scotland , Wales , Research and Development and Learning and Development – as previously required .
So , are you a leader looking to shape the profession ’ s future ? Then nominate yourself for one of our Council vacancies by 12noon on Friday 4 March 2022 .
You will need two RCOT members to support your nomination .
6 OTnews February 2022