Expressions of Interest x 2
22.12.2009
National Professional Representation
and Lobbying Reference Group
"To Be There, Where It Matters, When It Matters"
In order to advance the interests and opportunities for occupational therapists across Australia, the members of the Australian Association of Occupational Therapists [OT AUSTRALIA] must establish and maintain a voice on the government consultative committees, alliances, associations, working parties and forums at and state and national level that matter!
In addition, we must ensure that this voice represents the needs of all occupational therapists and occupational therapy students from the classroom to clinical practice; from hospitals to nursing homes; from industry to education; from the community to government and beyond…
As occupational therapists, we want to ensure:
- THAT WE CAN LEAD THE WAY
We want to create the agenda and not react to it
- THAT WE ARE HEARD
We want to communicate the invaluable and unique contribution that can be made by occupational therapy across the diverse spectrum of health and wellbeing
- THAT WE CAN IDENTIFY, CAPITALISE and MAXIMISE OPPORTUNITIES EARLY
We want to be vigilant to legislative and policy developments that arise in health care and beyond so that we can identify and capitalise on opportunities for occupational therapists early enough to grow and enhance the profession and to ensure that we remain relevant
We want to identify and secure important sources of funding so that we can develop programmes and initiatives for occupational therapists
- THAT WE ARE RESPONSIVE
We want to be on the front foot – not the back foot
- THAT WE ARE PREPARED
We want to be ready, willing and able to cope with what comes our way – expected or otherwise
The National Council of OT AUSTRALIA intends to establish the National Professional Representation and Lobbying Reference Group under the National Framework for Professional Excellence.
This reference group shall be chaired by Carolyn Webster - current Nationally Elected Councillor; Past President of OT AUSTRALIA; and Past President of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
This reference group will be charged with the following tasks:
- To build upon the innovative concept of ‘Communities of Practice’ created by the State Member Associations
- To design a contemporary approach to Representation and Lobbying for OT AUSTRALIA
- To prepare for National Registration
- To establish and maintain effective links with the World Federation of Occupational Therapists
- To establish an OT AUSTRALIA Student Association
- To investigate and capitalise on Emerging Areas of Practice
This reference group will deliver a major goal of the OT AUSTRALIA Strategic Plan to:
- Review the National Framework for Professional Excellence
- Improve awareness of the role and importance of occupational therapy in healthcare, education and social care contexts
- To increase the profile of the Australian profession through international links and collaboration
- To have a policy and procedure which guides the representation of OT AUSTRALIA to external bodies.
We are seeking Expressions of Interest from members of the Association, including students and new graduates, who are keen to influence the development and enhancement of the profession of occupational therapy at every level from clinical practice to parliament.
If you are passionate about your profession and you are keen to develop and enhance our prospects and standing within the broader health and wellbeing community, this reference group is for you!
If you are interested in submitting an Expression of Interest to be involved in this reference group, please prepare a brief paragraph indicating your interest and submit it, along with a copy of your curriculum vitae to policy@ausot.com.au.
A copy of the Terms of Reference for this reference group and a copy of the National Framework for Professional Excellence can be located here.
Expressions of Interest close on Friday 5th February 2009.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Kennedy, Senior Policy Advisor on 02 9415 2900.
National Professional Standards Reference Group
“More Than Ever Before - Our Opinion Matters”
Members of Occupational Therapy Australia are increasingly calling on our professional community, through the Association, for guidance and agreed positions on various professional issues. Additionally, the profession of Occupational Therapy is increasingly requested by members of the public, other professions, government, agencies and OTs themselves to offer our opinion or to state our position on an ever growing number of important issues.
More than ever before – our opinion matters!
In a time of immense change for the profession, Occupational Therapy is presented with an unprecedented opportunity to contribute to the health of Australians and to Australian society generally. This means that we can directly influence our future as a profession.
Occupational Therapy Australia intends to establish a Position Statements Working Party under the National Professional Standards Reference Group within the National Framework for Professional Excellence.
This working party shall be chaired by Joy Pennock – member of the National Professional Standards Reference Group, member of Occupational Therapy Australia and previous Councillor on the OT AUSTRALIA National Council. Joy is the current Chief Executive Officer of OT AUSTRALIA New South Wales.
This working party will be charged with the following tasks:
- To identify the areas of practice within Occupational Therapy where there is a need to review or establish position statements that are consistent with the strategic plan of Occupational Therapy Australia
- Oversee and coordinate the development and review of position statements in priority target areas to provide the Occupational Therapy Australia membership with an agreed professional position regarding that priority target area
- Call on and coordinate the involvement and contribution of appropriately skilled and experienced members of the Association in the development of position statements.
- Submit position statements to the Board via the National Professional Standards Reference Group for final endorsement prior to release.
We are seeking Expressions of Interest from members who understand the importance of having a position by the Association on identified professional matters. This work can clarify issues and assist members in the first instance as well as demonstrate the value of our unique profession to our many stakeholders and help to promote Occupational Therapy as a major force in the delivery of heath and wellbeing outcomes for the community.
If you are passionate about your profession and you are keen to share your enthusiasm in a way that advances the prospects of our profession, this working party is for you!
If you are interested in submitting an Expression of Interest to be involved in this working party, please prepare a brief paragraph indicating your interest and submit it, along with a copy of your curriculum vitae to policy@ausot.com.au.
A copy of the Terms of Reference for this reference group and a copy of the National Framework for Professional Excellence can be located here.
Expressions of Interest close on Friday 26th February 2010.
If you have any questions, please contact Chris Kennedy, Senior Policy Advisor on 02 9415 2900.
More Than Ever Before - Our Opinion Matters!
Thank you for your interest.
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.JPG "AON")
