Council elections 2024 : RCOT seeks expressions of interest
RCOT is looking for people who are interested in volunteering and becoming a member of Council . This year the following roles are open for nominations and will go to an election :
• Chair ( a professional member of at least five years ).
• Council Member , Industrial Relations ( a professional member and a BAOT steward who shall become a member of the BAOT / UNISON Occupational Therapy Panel ).
• Council Member , International Affairs ( a professional member of at least two years ’ standing of individual WFOT membership who shall become the representative of BAOT / RCOT on WFOT ).
• Council Member , Scotland ( a professional member working and / or resident in Scotland ).
• Council Member , Northern Ireland ( a professional member working and / or resident in Northern Ireland ).
• Council member , England ( a professional member working and / or resident in England ).
Existing Council members can stand for re-election – they can ’ t serve for a total of more than five years .
Being a Council member
Council members are essential to the success of BAOT and RCOT . They ’ re both directors of the companies and trustees of the charity – together , they lead the organisations , decide how they are run and are responsible for making sure they are doing what they were set up to do . Council members are volunteers and they :
• Make sure we ’ re complying with our governing documents and the law .
• Act in the organisations ’ best interests .
• Make sure organisational resources are managed effectively .
• Act with reasonable skill and care .
• Make sure the organisations are accountable .
• Are a ‘ critical friend ’ to management .
Why be a Council member ?
We asked some of our existing Council members why people should stand for Council . Paul Dunning , Council Member – Wales , says : ‘ Being a Council member has resulted in working with a group of dynamic and supportive professionals who want to ensure that RCOT is relevant , “ fit for purpose ” and delivering a wide range of member benefits .
‘ It has helped me understand the issues facing RCOT , Council and members in ensuring the fiveyear strategy is delivered and I would encourage any occupational therapists who are interested in joining Council to take the plunge and complete an application form .’
Dr Anita Atwal , Council Member – Research and Development , adds : ‘ I have gained some grey hair , because it has challenged me to acquire new skills , particularly in relation to finance ... [ and ] it has enabled me to have a voice , influence and make “ good trouble ”.
‘ If you love your profession and want to see it continue to flourish , influence and be part of change , then join Council . Be an active participant , not a bystander .’
Finally , Samantha Flower , Council Member – Scotland , reflects : ‘ Sitting on council is an excellent CPD opportunity , whatever stage your career is at . If you want to develop critical evaluation skills and build confidence in articulating your views in a formal environment and if you care about your profession and believe that our input will always improve people ’ s lives . Then I would urge you to consider a place on Council .’
Election process and timetable
Anyone interested in standing for election should get in touch now to find out more :
• Wednesday 3 April , 4pm-5pm – we ’ ll hold a virtual information session for interested people with the Chair and Chief Executive .
• Tuesday 16 April – closing date for nomination forms ( must include a candidate statement and be signed by a proposer and seconder who are also professional members ).
• By Friday 26 April – where only one candidate is nominated for a position , these are ‘ uncontested ’ and the candidate will be informed they don ’ t need to take part in the member election .
• Mid-May – ballot papers for positions with more than one candidate will be circulated and members will be able to vote for their preferred candidates .
• Wednesday 19 June – closing date for returning all ballot papers .
• Thursday 27 June – election results announced at AGM .
Please contact governance @ rcot . co . uk to find out more and receive : a role description ; eligibility requirements ; a nomination form ; and an invitation to the virtual information session with our CEO and Chair .
12 OTnews February 2024