News

5 November 2009
COTSS-Housing Launch the Elma Shearer Award
COTSS-Housing launched their new annual peer award at their National Conference in Widnes.The shield was gifted to the National Executive Committee by the outgoing Chair Mary Stobie. The Elma Shearer Award For Excellence in Community Occupational Therapy (Housing) is awarded both to acknowledge the excellent work carried out by OTs in the field of housing but also to ensure we remember an occupational therapist who was an inspirational, proactive and supportive team leader and manager. Elma Shearer fully supported the developing role of the OT within the field of social work and actively promoted the role of the OT in Housing during her working life in Aberdeen.
The shield along with a certificate, paperweight and a complimentary place at the 2010 National conference was proudly presented to the first award winner, Jacquel Runnalls from Waltham Forest Council (London) for her outstanding contribution to occupational therapy in housing. Annual nominations are open to Specialist Section members who have worked in the community/housing field for a minimum of five years and who fulfil a minimum of three criteria agreed by the NEC.Nominations will be accepted during July and August 2010 and designated NEC members will consider all applications, with the final decision being made at the autumn meeting. The shield will then be presented to the new award holder during the National Conference and AGM.

Download a copy of the Elma Shearer nomination form>>