RCOT has announced the appointment of Steve Ford as its new chief executive . Steve will start at RCOT on 6 April and will succeed Julia Scott , who will be leaving the organisation on 26 February ( see page16 ).
Steve has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the health and social care sector and a strong record of transforming organisations both strategically and culturally .
For the last 15 years , Steve has been chief executive at Parkinson ’ s UK and during that time led the charity through a time of significant growth , developing the services and support that are available to people affected by Parkinson ’ s , as well as building a new and innovative approach to research .
Steve Ford announced as RCOT ’ s new chief executive
Steve has always recognised the importance of good quality health and social care and so developed the UK Parkinson ’ s Excellence Network as an innovative partnership between the charity and health professionals to drive up standards .
Previously Steve was a general manager and chief executive in the NHS , most recently as chief executive of South West Kent Primary Care Trust . Throughout his career , Steve has worked closely with occupational therapists and has been a champion of multidisciplinary care .
Professor Diane Cox , RCOT chair of council , said : ‘ I am delighted to welcome Steve to RCOT . He is a well-respected , proven and innovative chief executive with an exceptional record . His leadership experience in the health , social care and charitable sectors will be invaluable .
‘ His personal approach and leadership style will serve him
well in leading both the RCOT team and our 34,400-strong community . His passion for improving lives is perfectly in tune with our role as occupational therapists to enable individuals to achieve their full potential .
Steve Ford
Quote of the month
‘ I am confident that in Steve Ford we have the right strategic leader , who will work seamlessly alongside our
I am honoured to be given the opportunity to help shape RCOT ’ s future and that of the occupational therapy profession
Steve Ford , RCOT ’ s new chief executive
occupational therapy experts to ensure the profession is best placed to meet future health and social care challenges .’
Steve said : ‘ RCOT is a great organisation , full of great people , and I am honoured to be given the opportunity to help shape its future and that of the occupational therapy profession .
‘ Throughout my career , I have worked alongside many amazing occupational therapists . I ’ ve seen the difference occupational therapists make to people ’ s lives , in particular the vital role they play in supporting people with long-term health conditions .
‘ I am looking forward to raising the profile of the profession so that it receives the investment needed to ensure occupational therapists can play their full role in future models of health and social care .
‘ I believe that the most important skill in a leader is listening , and from doing that comes ambition , focus and passion . My focus when I start in April will be to spend time with the team , volunteers and members , so that I can build on my knowledge of the organisation and profession to better understand our future challenges and opportunities .’
6 OTnews February 2021