EDB vision, strategic priorities and aims

We will rise up to be bold, progressive advocates and champions – raising our profile and voice so that more people understand the power of what occupational therapists do.

EDB strategic priority 1: Accountability and commitment

Our members, staff and volunteers understand that EDB is all of our responsibility and that words and good intentions are not enough. 

EDB strategic aims

RCOT will:

• through our actions, oppose discrimination, demonstrate effective allyship and be transparent and accountable
• demonstrate to the public, our staff, members, volunteers and stakeholders that EDB is part of who we are and how we work.

EDB strategic priority 2: Effective leadership

RCOT leadership team and Council visibly champion EDB and this strategy, role model anti-racism and anti-discrimination, consistently demonstrating effective allyship.

EDB strategic aims

RCOT will:

• model the change we want to see through our culture, policies, practices and systems
• cultivate an inclusive culture, with health and wellbeing at its heart, to reflect our organisational and professional values.

We will open up to new opportunities and people – joining forces, forming alliances, and getting more people to see occupational therapy as the solution to their needs.

EDB strategic priority 3: Diverse and thriving profession

RCOT understands and works to remove barriers to entry, to open up occupational therapy as a profession to better reflect the diversity of the UK.

EDB strategic aims

RCOT will:

• work to ensure that our staff and volunteers better reflect the diversity of the UK
• embed EDB throughout our standards and stakeholder relationships
• build alliances and partnerships with community groups to encourage those from historically underserved communities to see occupational therapy as a solution to their needs.

We will lift up every occupational therapist and support them to be the best they can be throughout their entire career – by offering them the best community, resources and tools that help them to succeed.

EDB strategic priority 4: Learning, development and confidence

Our members, staff and volunteers are confident and skilled in championing EDB and challenging inequity, injustice, and discrimination.

EDB strategic aims

RCOT will: 

• build our members’, staff and volunteers’ understanding of equity, diversity and belonging and develop skills and confidence to actively oppose discrimination
• build alliances and partnerships with organisations and groups who share our priorities, to support learning and increase EDB awareness of occupational therapists. 

We will build up our organisation and culture to be dynamic, high performing and values-led, using insights and data to inform and drive us to achieve our purpose.

EDB strategy priority 5: Safe and inclusive culture

RCOT has an inclusive culture, with health and wellbeing at the heart, that is truly reflective of our organisational and professional values.

Strategic aims

RCOT will:

• increase representation and celebrate diversity in everything we do and the way we communicate
• assist our members, especially those from historically marginalised and under-represented communities, to be the best they can be, as their true and authentic selves, throughout their career.

EDB strategic priority 6: Transparency

RCOT is critically self-reflective, transparent and intentional in communicating our commitment to, and progress with EDB to build trust in our organisation.

Strategic aims

RCOT will:

• share and celebrate successes and be honest about failings and things we need to change
• understand the diverse needs of those we work with, and use a strong evidence base to provide constructive support, prioritise where and how we act, and measure our progress.