Leadership
I know how vital the role and practice of occupational therapists in social care is , in enabling people to regain their independence and to remain living in their communities .”
Leadership
Feature during policy making and legislative reviews , further compounded this void .
The POT network serves as a forum where principal and strategic lead OTs convene to :
• Engage in deliberations , exert influence and offer counsel on developments within the domains of social care , housing and occupational therapy , encompassing national and governmental levels .
• Disseminate best practice , expertise , innovation and service enhancements , in alignment with prevailing national legislation and policies .
• Strengthen the voices of social care OTs on a national scale and across individual local authorities , to provide peer support in these specialist areas of practice .
It has emerged as the single point of contact for developments pertinent to RCOT , the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services ( ADASS ), Social Care Futures ( SCF ), the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ), the Allied Health Professions ( AHP ) Faculty , Local Government Association , Skills for Care and regional networks alike .
Supporting integration framework
The network has collaborated in drafting a framework in partnership with AHPs within the NHS and occupational therapy leaders in local authorities . This framework encompasses a comprehensive list of recommendations , aimed at fostering integration between health and social care , thereby facilitating the seamless optimisation of the workforce and ultimately enhancing the delivery of high quality services to service users .
It is important that OTs within local authorities and the NHS proactively undertake the tangible actions outlined within this framework . Achieving cohesion within organisations , as well as fostering collaboration with colleagues across the domains of health and social care , stands as a fundamental imperative .
The recommendations outlined within the framework should be considered for implementation across various levels , encompassing local initiatives , service development and regional strategies .
To foster more substantive dialogue and concerted efforts towards integration , it is vital we elevate our understanding , support and leadership of the OT workforce across the domains of social care , health , housing and the independent sector . We are working towards four key priorities :
• Collaborative learning , development and AHP workforce initiatives .
• Integrated AHP workforce data and intelligence .
• Leadership and AHP architecture for social care .
• Attracting and recruiting the social care AHP workforce .
I know how vital the role and practice of occupational therapists in social care is , in enabling people to regain their independence and to remain living in their communities .”
Network achievements
Since 2022 , the POT network has had considerable achievements , including :
• Funding from Research in Practice to expand the network and support with administrative organisation .
• POT taskforce input to the development of the national Intermediate Care Framework and Care Workforce Pathway 2023 .
• Co-production of the Local Government Association ( LGA ) Standards for Employers of the Occupational Therapy Workforce in England 2022 .
• Co-production of the LGA ’ s occupational therapy Health Check survey 2022-23 and subsequent review of the findings in 2023 , measured against the LGA Employer Standards .
• Ongoing peer support for principal occupational therapists and strategic leads and leadership through the regional and national infrastructure for principal and strategic lead occupational therapists across England .
• NHSE funding for principal occupational therapists to identify roles and projects to support workforce development and retention of occupational therapists in social care 2023-24 .
• POT taskforce input to the development of the national Adult Social Care Workforce Strategy 2023-24 .
• Contribution to the development of the proportionate assessment guidance from the Chief Social Worker Office .
Looking ahead
The POT network ’ s key priorities for this year include :
• To continue to use the newly formed national POT and Principal Social Work ( PSW ) networks to identify joint pieces of work .
• The LGA Health Check Survey 2023-24 and subsequent review of the findings .
• Focus on recruitment , retention and reform , by working with Skills for Care on creating a
May 2024 OTnews 41