News
RCOT strengthens ties with UNISON
We have renewed our contract with UNISON – the UK ’ s largest union , serving more than 1.3 million members across the UK .
Most BAOT / RCOT members employed in the UK will continue to be automatically represented by UNISON . This is a huge member benefit . Not only does UNISON campaign on your behalf for better working conditions and pay and for public services , but as a member of UNISON , you ’ re also entitled to help on work related issues , including protection and representation , and legal advice . Commenting on the new contract , RCOT Chief Executive , Steve Ford said : ‘ A key part of our new strategy is that we will raising our profile and voice , open up new opportunities and by joining forces and forming alliances and offering you the best community and resources to help you succeed .
‘ Our contract with UNISON does just that . By working alongside UNISON , which has over a million members , we have an even more powerful voice promoting our views .
‘ Our close ties with UNISON are seen as a key benefit for many of our over 35,000
Join the public conversation on research ethics
The Health Research Authority ( HRA ), working with partners in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , has launched a public conversation how research ethics review could be changed to make it better for researchers , ethics committee members and people taking part in research .
The consultation is part of Think Ethics , HRA ’ s work to put people and ethics at the heart of health and social care research .
HRA wants to see : fast , proportionate ethics review focused on key ethical issues in a members . It ’ s your trade union and represents you . It campaigns on your behalf and is a strong advocate for the profession . When it lobbies the government on an issue , that includes RCOT ’ s voice .’
UNISON General Secretary , Christina McAnea commented : ‘ UNISON warmly welcomes the signing of the refreshed BAOT / UNISON Partnership Agreement . Having been in a partnership for almost 20 years , the relationship between our organisations has grown from strength to strength .
‘ We are proud to represent the interests of occupational therapy staff and to support them at work . We will continue to encourage BAOT members to be actively involved in the union , providing a strong voice for occupational therapy in every workplace .’
BAOT / RCOT members are members of UNISON , except for those who are wholly selfemployed , employed overseas , or retired .
Find out more information on the support Unison can offer you on page 24 or visit www . rcot . co . uk / practice-resources / unisonservices-resources / support .
consistent way ; clear and concise study information designed with and for patients and study participants ; a rewarding experience for diverse , skilled and committed Research Ethics Committee ( REC ) members ; and a streamlined and user-friendly service , attracting world-leading health research in the UK .
Your opinion matters . The consultation runs until 23 September 2022 . Join the conversation https :// bit . ly / 3P172Bv . Complete the survey https :// bit . ly / 3ygjk22
News in brief
Members vote to agree small increase in their membership fees
At RCOT ’ s 2022 Annual General Meeting members voted for a 1.5 % increase in membership fees for 2022 / 23 . The increase in fees will take effect from 1 October 2022 and see a rise of : £ 4.39 a year for a full professional member ( 37p a month ); and 91p a year for a student member ( 7p a month ). Read more at https :// bit . ly / 3P5HGma .
OT awarded MBE
Pamela Bostock , consultant occupational therapist at Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , who has been awarded an MBE by Her Majesty the Queen in her Birthday Honours for services to adults with progressive neurological conditions . RCOT congratulated Pamela on Twitter , saying she is ‘ a great role model for the profession .’
RCOT shortlisted for two Memcom Excellence Awards 2022
RCOT has been shortlisted for not one , but two , Memcom Excellence Awards 2022 : Best Member Event of the Year Award , for Annual Conference 2021 ; and Best Integrated Marketing or Membership Campaign , for the strategy , values and brand launch at the beginning of this year . Winners will be announced on 29 September https :// bit . ly / 3yIktkA .
RCOT and CSP to develop practicebased learning principles
RCOT has joined forces with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy to produce a series of principles for practice-based learning . Together they will provide a set of principles that offers a clear direction for creating quality , practicebased placements for both physiotherapy and occupational therapy learners ( students and apprentices ). Over the next few months , RCOT and the CSP will be letting members know how to get involved in shaping the principles , which will be launched later in 2022 . Visit https :// bit . ly / 3IjMq5t .
July 2022 OTnews 11