Environmental sustainability pulse survey results show we all have a role to play
RCOT is committed to embedding sustainability in everything we do . We ’ ve analysed the responses from our first pulse survey on environmental sustainability late last year , which highlighted the need for our profession to drive change further across the sustainability agenda .
Of the 1,726 occupational therapists to respond , ( 95 %) said we all have a role to play in reducing the negative impact our health and social care systems have on the planet . Just over half ( 55 %) said that they felt able to take action as an occupational therapist to reduce environmental impact , while just under half ( 48 %) said they feel able to influence other health and social care professionals to take similar actions . When asked about RCOT ’ s role in the sustainability agenda , almost all ( 96 %) believe we should take climate change seriously and should take appropriate action to reduce our carbon emissions / impact .
We recognise the critical importance of sustainability and are committed to ensuring it ’ s driven across the occupational therapy profession . Over the past year , our head offices have undergone a significant redesign , which we aimed to deliver in a sustainable way by consciously choosing the materials used , re-using existing materials and furniture where possible , and purchasing refurbished furniture .
Working with an environmental consultancy to install new solar panels and replace the old , inefficient , end-of-life gas hot water / heating boiler , lighting and air conditioning has resulted in improving our efficiency and carbon footprint . The building ’ s energy rating has now gone from a low D to a high B .
Additionally , we created secure bike storage area and improved the showers for all building occupants , thereby encouraging zero-carbon travel to the building .
Pete Vesey , RCOT Professional Adviser for Environmental Sustainability , commented : ‘ Our pulse survey has shown that members believe we all have a role to play in reducing the negative impact our health and social care systems have on the environment , as well as highlighting the challenges you face when it comes to reducing our environmental impact , your ability to influence others to take action , and your understanding of what we are doing on sustainability and to support you .
‘ You shared examples across some key themes , including equipment procurement , reuse and recycling , travel and transport , plastic and PPE , remote and hybrid working , and utility consumption .
‘ Your ideas are helping us to better understand what small steps you are taking , as individuals and teams , to connect with green networks and strategies locally and nationally , as well as the policy and system-changes that would enable and empower individual change .
‘ We will be repeating the pulse survey this autumn , so please do look out for it and take the opportunity to help shape this continuing journey .’
For more visit https :// bit . ly / 3AVit91 .
Nominate for our 2024 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture Do you know an occupational therapist who has made or is making a significant contribution to our profession ? If you do , we want to hear from you . Celebrate their achievements by nominating them to give our 2024 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture . Our Lecture is an opportunity for the chosen speaker to talk about a topic important to them and the profession . Use our nomination form to tell us why this person would make a great speaker . Our Council will then choose the 2024 speaker . Nominations will be open until 5pm on Wednesday 31 May 2023 . The 2024 Lecture will take place in April 2024 . To make your nomination , visit https :// bit . ly / 445O84V .
Early Researcher Prize
Have you taught someone who ’ s created an outstanding research project ? You can now nominate them for our Early Researcher Prize . Eligibility criteria are : pre-registration BSc / MSc OT students ; someone who created an outstanding research project completed in the final year of their degree programme in either 2022 or 2023 . Nominations must come from a member of the academic team at the student ’ s institution . Student nominees need to be BAOT members . Visit https :// bit . ly / 3Hnzcp3 . Nominations are open until 9am , Friday 30 June 2023 .
News in brief
Highlight the contribution you make to people living with pain A study is aiming to amplify the voice of occupational therapists working with people living with chronic pain . Are you a UK Health and Care Professions Council registered occupational therapist working with those living with chronic pain and their friend / family supporters ? Please spare 10 minutes to complete an online survey . This is a unique opportunity to highlight the valuable contribution occupational therapists make to those living with chronic pain and their friends / family supporters . To ask further questions or request a link to the survey please contact rebecca . slee @ plymouth . ac . uk .
2023 BAOT – RCOT AGM and auditor ’ s report to members The 2023 annual general meeting ( AGM ) is taking place on Wednesday 28 June at 5.30pm . Your notice and proxy form are enclosed as inserts with this issue of OTnews . If for any reason you have not received these , then please contact us at governance @ rcot . co . uk . The annual report and accounts , including the auditor ’ s report to members , will be published on our website at www . rcot . co . uk / agm2023 by Friday 2 June 2023 .
10 OTnews May 2023