FEATURE AWARDS
She has consistently sought to develop the next generation of occupational therapists , including playing a key role in curriculum initiatives in occupational therapy education providing innovative AHP placement opportunities and spearheading the creation of innovative practice education within Alzheimer Scotland including AHP internship opportunities .
A member of RCOT for all her professional career , Elaine has been a frequent attendee at RCOT conferences , sharing her work and learning from colleagues , and she was recently a member of the Learning and Development Board .
The high esteem with which she is regarded by her peers , her exceptional leadership and innovation was recognised by the profession by being nominated and delivering the Casson Lecture in 2013 . Here she shared her passion for transformational leadership to inspire the next generation of leaders in occupational therapy .
Elaine is at the forefront of the use of technology to promote the work of occupational therapy . Her campaign within Alzheimer Scotland on Ask an occupational therapist and # WithOTuCAN has raised the profile of the profession by raising awareness of the breadth of services that occupational therapists can offer .
Elaine was ‘ absolutely delighted ’ when she heard that she had been awarded a Fellowship in recognition of her contribution to occupational therapy , a profession that she is ‘ passionate and proud of ’. She said : ‘ It is a career that allows me to meet the most amazing people , whose lived experience keeps my work grounded and real and where I get to work with many inspirational colleagues .’
HONORARY FELLOWSHIP
The Honorary Fellowship Award is the highest honour RCOT can bestow on individuals who are not occupational therapists or associate members , but who have made an exceptional contribution to the work of the Royal College and / or have supported the profession in a significant way . This year RCOT has awarded one .
Andy Tilden , OBE Andy has spent many years in the social care sector , most notably as director of operations and interim CEO at Skills for Care . He retired from Skills for Care in March 2021 .
He initially trained as a teacher and has been a residential care worker , a trainer and manager in the NHS , a qualified social worker working in juvenile justice , child protection and learning disability services , and a lecturer . He served three years as a NICE Fellow .
Andy also helped set up and run a charity delivering qualifications , learning and development to the care sector . He is vice chair COVID-19 Heath Care Support Appeal ( CHSA ), a trustee of Community Catalysts and a non-executive director of Training Now , which is part of the Agincare group . Andy was awarded an OBE in the Queen ’ s Birthday Honours List in 2021 .
Andy told OTnews he is ‘ extremely proud ’ to receive the prestigious Honorary Fellowship , saying : ‘ Full credit for this award should go to the partnership work between Skills for Care and the Royal College to undertake a whole range of activities promoting and supporting the work of occupational therapists , and in particular those who work in social care .’
He added that he would like to highlight the leadership of Julia Scott and Julia Skelton , former RCOT chief executive and former director of professional operations respectively , alongside Graham Woodham in Skills for Care .
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Full credit for this award should go to the partnership work between Skills for Care and the Royal College to undertake a whole range of activities promoting and supporting the work of occupational therapists ...
As an ex-social worker , Andy has always been keen to highlight the positive contribution that occupational therapy plays in social care and he continually raises the profile of occupational therapists as vital regulated professionals .
52 OTnews October 2021