Our occupational therapy leaders have a lot to offer in terms of influencing policy decisions , showcasing the value of our profession , developing resources and sharing and exchanging best practice .” workforce strategy for social care occupational therapists .
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Our occupational therapy leaders have a lot to offer in terms of influencing policy decisions , showcasing the value of our profession , developing resources and sharing and exchanging best practice .” workforce strategy for social care occupational therapists .
• Identify opportunities for funding to support the development of an outcome data set for social care assessments .
• Create , monitor and evaluate outcomes data to evidence how occupational therapy can have impact on prevention , delay or reduction of the need for funded social care .
• Principal occupational therapists to be at the forefront of organisations ’ transformational change , so that we can co-design , review or redesign policies and frameworks , and add value to national guidance and legislation .
• Principal occupational therapists should lead the operationalisation of the therapy-led approach to ensure services optimise people ’ s outcomes .
Carolyne Hague , Taskforce Chair said : ‘ The national network and taskforce are helping to provide a collaborative environment where our most senior occupational therapy leaders within local authorities can connect , interact , collaborate , influence , and learn and grow together .
‘ Our occupational therapy leaders have a lot to offer in terms of influencing policy decisions , showcasing the value of our profession , developing resources and sharing and exchanging best practice .
‘ This optimises the impact their work has across England and , most importantly , on the health and wellbeing of our population . United , we can accomplish greater things , with gusto . What members have already achieved together , in a short space of time , is testament to that .’
While Lyn Romeo , former Chief Social Worker , DHSC , added : ‘ 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 .
‘ Their skilled work in supporting people to achieve their goals in improving , recovering , or maintaining the skills needed for daily living and working is invaluable .
‘ I am pleased to support the principal occupational therapists network and their leadership development , alongside the Principal Social Workers . We are stronger together and making a real difference to improving outcomes for people we serve .’
In conclusion , occupational therapists in social care possess a unique skill set and can offer excellent value for money . They play a crucial role in driving innovations in the sector as well as integration between health and social care .
The need for their expertise continues to grow to address the expanding demands of social care delivery . Meeting this rising demand within resource constraints will necessitate a shift in both mindset and approach to our work .
Principal occupational therapists are at the heart of driving change . The POT network stands as a prominent entity . Expanding this network will be an enabler to use this platform effectively in reshaping the social care landscape .
The main objectives are to promote occupational therapists and to influence within a wider range of organisations to foster closer collaboration with organisations such as ADASS in supporting and enhancing our collective impact on national policies , guidelines and legislation .
Words VIOLINA HARPAR , Occupational Therapy Service Manager , Department of Adult Social Care and Public Health , Richmond and Wandsworth Councils , and JUMAIMAH IQBAL Principal Occupational Therapist , Adult Occupational Therapy Service , Calderdale Council . Email violina . harpar @ richmondandwandsworth . gov . uk . For further details on the Supporting Integration Framework visit https :// bit . ly / 3JJ4jMt
42 OTnews May 2024