In being who we are , we can influence change , even if it ’ s a small conversation and momentary shared insight . Its impact will ripple and shouldn ’ t be underestimated .”
In being who we are , we can influence change , even if it ’ s a small conversation and momentary shared insight . Its impact will ripple and shouldn ’ t be underestimated .”
‘ We were honest as critical friends , vulnerable and authentic in sharing our experiences , observations and frustrations , and discussions were not always comfortable . Growth , however , doesn ’ t come with staying in our comfort zones .
‘ As a bridge between the independent affinity group and RCOT , as well as drawing on our own lived and professional experiences and available research evidence , we were able to voice concerns shared by members of the wider group – many of whom had hesitations with RCOT or had cancelled memberships because of an inability to see ourselves in the professional body ; and that being reflective of issues within the wider profession .’ Hannah adds : ‘ I continue to believe that it is important to capture the perspectives of not only members , but especially those who have disengaged from RCOT and cited essentially lack of LGBTQIA + belonging in their reasons .
‘ In recruiting for the RCOT group , we were explicit that advertisement should reach as many LGBTQIA + OTs as possible and not to recruit via or replicate the affinity group and thus risk an echo chamber of multiple similar perspectives .
‘ Some of the RCOT group still engage with the independent affinity group , providing a bridge between the groups and sharing additional perspectives .’
Thomas Williams ( he / him ) was invited to join the group after it had already formed . ‘ I wanted to learn more about how RCOT was delivering equity , diversity and belonging , and in particular , wanted the opportunity to influence its work for LGBTQIA + members as a member of an LGBTQIA + community ,’ he says . ‘ I felt that this group had an important part to play in advising and guiding RCOT ’ s work .’
The group ’ s main priorities for its first year have focused on navigating and developing the right ways of joint working and developing a sense of cohesion and shared vision .
Rachael says : ‘ Our first priority ( which initially I think we all overlooked ) should have been to acknowledge and explore the unique positionality and lived / living experience of each member of the group .
‘ If we had done this , I think we would likely have reached a “ shared vision ” far sooner . However , I am pleased to say that after some self-reflection , it soon became our priority . Personally , I feel things are now much more cohesive .’
Sue reflects that the desired and actual priorities ‘ were not always the same ’. ‘ We wanted , for example , to steer RCOT to comment on the legislation banning conversion therapy and to have greater proactive say in a wider range of issues ,’ she says .
‘ The reality , as with any group , is that we had to “ form ” first and navigate our way through the contextual issues facing RCOT to find our collective voice . Now we ’ ve reached mid-point , a change in group membership , fresh eyes and more realistic terms of reference will really help focus our efforts .’
The group feel that , in terms of the progress they ’ ve been able to make to date , the key has been around weaving equity , diversity and belonging ( EDB ), and the three groups , into the everyday fabric and processes of RCOT as an organisation .
‘ Together , through conversation probably more so than specific action , we ’ ve made progress , but there ’ s a long way to go ,’ Hannah adds .
When asked were they feel the group has had the most impact , it ’ s clear that this has been about more than the opportunity to feedback on RCOT ’ s core projects and activities and contribute their expert lived experience . It ’ s been about LGBTQIA + visibility and wider influence across social media .
Rachael says : ‘ The most impact the group has had to date was influencing the incorporation of the progress flag into the RCOT logo last year . Seeing it being used publicly – across social media and in OTnews – filled me with a huge sense of achievement and also inclusion and belonging .
‘ I know from conversations with other LGBTQIA + occupational therapists that seeing the inclusion of the progress flag within the RCOT logo felt like the beginning of a new era for RCOT and our profession ; an era of inclusivity and belonging for all .’
Hannah completely agrees . ‘ The most impact was definitely the progress flag in the RCOT logo for Pride Month last year , which also happened to coincide with Annual Conference . Having * that * level of visibility for our community through the flag was a definite gear change for RCOT .’
However , the group does feel that it has not been able to influence structural change at a higher level , as yet , and that one area it has made least impact in has been driving forward with group ’ s
22 OTnews June 2023