FOCUS ON COUNCIL VACANCIES
New year , new challenge ?
There are seven seats on council up for nomination in 2021 . Here we look at what being a council member entails and how you can get involved
Are you ready for a leadership role or a new
challenge ? Do you want to play an active role within the growing occupational therapy professional community ? If the answer is ‘ yes ’, then consider standing for election to RCOT ’ s governing councils .
What is the role of a council member ? If elected , you will be a council member for both BAOT and RCOT . All members of council are directors of the two companies , the British Association of Occupational Therapists Limited ( BAOT ) and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists ( RCOT ). They are registered as directors at Companies House and have the full responsibilities of directors .
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RCOT is also a registered charity so you will become a trustee as well . Charity trustees are the people responsible for controlling the management and administration of the charity . Council members therefore have to abide by the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Trustee Act 2000 , which will be included in your induction , if elected .
Council members are formally responsible for the governance of the organisation , including financial matters , the management of identified risks and the agreement and monitoring of the organisation ’ s annual work plan .
Council is also responsible for preserving the organisation and the profession ’ s future , so you will need to be ready to consider issues you might not have experience of , and think above and beyond your own role and your personal views in order to position the profession , and the professional body , for the future .
You will not be ‘ representing ’ a particular constituency of members ; rather you will be ensuring corporate governance . These responsibilities require time and commitment and should not be undertaken lightly .
Holding a council seat is demanding and requires a willingness to shoulder corporate responsibility and deal with complex and differing issues . It does , of course , also provide intellectual stimulation , as well as learning opportunities relating to business management and professional body administration .
What does it involve ? Council consists of nine members and there is an expectation that all council members think strategically and actively contribute to discussions and key decisions extending beyond their own area of practice and experience .
42 OTnews January 2021