I want to say a huge thank you for the warm welcome and congratulatory messages I’ve received since being appointed as Chair. I’m aware there is a lot that I don’t know about the role and will be requiring your support as I get to grips with the requirements of the role.
An exciting time to become your Chair
I’m coming into this role at an exciting time for the profession. Over the years, some of you have shared with me that you feel disengaged from your professional body. Most have individual reasons, and some feel their voices aren’t heard.
The past two years with the pandemic have been challenging and the way we deliver services has completely changed. As OTs we have a part to play in ensuring we can meet the challenges ahead but also to support others to do so. We have an exciting new strategy and I hope to build on the work started by our CEO Steve Ford and Professor Dianne Cox in driving forward our strategic priorities.
The challenges that lay ahead
I’ve been reflecting on the challenges, as I perceive them.
The pandemic has had an adverse effect on us and some are suffering the effects of burn out as a result of moral injury. Most will require support to move on from this. As OTs we have a strong moral compass and, at times, we place additional pressures on ourselves to achieve excellence because we care. Sometimes we have to accept that ‘good enough’ will do in certain circumstances. Making a difference is a start - always keep that in mind.
Added to this, we need to identify which of our colleagues are on our ‘worry list’ due to the cost of living crisis. It will certainly impact on a significant number of us. How do we look out for them in our departments and organisations? Going a little further, there are occupational therapists who are not members of RCOT, as the cost is prohibitive. Do we have a responsibility to these colleagues as well?
I had the pleasure of attending our Eastern Region study day where we focused on belonging. I reflected afterwards on those of you who don’t feel a sense of belonging to RCOT. How do we foster that and how can I help make it happen?
We all have an important role to play in ensuring that everyone feels welcome within the professional body. Equality and inclusion are a fundamental part of our ethos as OTs. Sadly, this has not been a priority for everyone. Going forward, I hope to do my part to magnify the voices of those less heard. Inclusion also means ensuring access for every member. I am saddened by the number of barriers that stop members from truly participating and being heard. We will work hard to change this.
Membership concerns and wellbeing
Since being announced as Chair, I’ve been contacted by some members who have shared some concerns with me, including:
- The loss of our physical library.
- The lack of consultation on important issues.
- The loss of our identity in the form of the phoenix.
- The lack of data around equity, diversity and belonging
- The reduction of the importance of research.
- Supporting our newly qualified OTs and future workforce.
I’ll be discussing these important subjects with Steve and the Senior Leadership Team.
While our focus is on delivering our strategy, so that we can achieve our shared ambitions, we need to balance that with making sure we continue to listen to your views and keep RCOT relevant and contemporary. How best to do that will become clearer as we start to work together.
We also need to be more transparent on how decisions are made. One of the ways I’ll help with that is by sharing regular updates with you. I’m looking at the best way of doing that - I expect it to be in some form of blog.
Announcements and celebrations
From time to time, I would like to highlight the amazing work that we are doing as a profession and would like to feature developments from members as we go. Please do get in touch and let me know what you are doing.
What’s next?
Over the next few months, I’m going to spend some time understanding what matters to you. I will also be working with Steve and the Senior Leadership Team as they continue to lead the organisation into its next chapter. These will help to shape my priorities and I will share them with you as we move forward.
Watch Odeth’s interview hosted by Kirstie Hughes, Vice Chair of our West Midlands region, at the 2022 AGM. Here Odeth shares her priorities as our new Chair of Council.
