How Specialist Sections are formed
Specialist Sections often start life as a group of OTs who meet to explore a particular area of clinical activity. These groups are often co-ordinated by a few motivated
individuals. As the interest and membership
develops and grows activities are co-ordinated by a committee. In
turn, these groups, networks, or forums often hold a seminar or study
day to generate interest. Out of this, a national network is established
and more formal communication networks and links agreed. These networks or groups may have been running for several years before they become more established and decide to contact the specialist section officer at the College to formally consider specialist section status.
How Specialist Sections are formed
Criteria for Specialist Section status
- The establishment of a Specialist Section must be approved by the Education and Practice Board, and in turn ratified by Council. It becomes established by the approval of the Education and Practice Board.
- A Specialist Section should serve a broad practice area or interest. All groups, networks or forums must give consideration to joining existing and established Specialist Sections to ensure that there is less duplication and enable broader practice issues are considered.
- A Specialist Section may be started in any part of the United Kingdom, but it must have a national membership and should be organised around a regional infrastructure.
- A Specialist Section must have an executive committee including Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary. Other committee posts may be elected depending on the needs of each section, or the co-option of committee members for particular needs. There must be job descriptions for each of these posts.
- Specialist sections must have a minimum of 100 members of which 60% are British Association of Occupational Therapists members.
- Membership of a Specialist Section may be extended to colleagues from other professions, both nationally and internationally, and to commercial membership.
- All business of a Specialist Section must be conducted in accordance with its Constitution, which is agreed in conjunction with the Specialist Section officer. Each section must hold an annual general meeting when an annual report and audited statement of accounts should be presented to the membership and then forwarded to the Specialist Sections Officer.
- Copies of committee meetings, AGM minutes and accounts must also be forwarded to the Specialist Sections Officer at the College.
- Collaborative working with the College of Occupational Therapists and other organisations, and participation in the Specialist Sections Business Forum and Specialist Sections Clinical Forum will be required. Attendance and representation on behalf of the College at seminars, conferences, and other events as appropriate may also be required.
- The Specialist Sections Officer will assist, support and encourage the activities of the Specialist Sections and will promote their activities within the organisation and with outside agencies.
- The Specialist Sections Officer will work closely with the Education and Practice Board providing regular reports of all activities and issues of each Specialist Section.
- Where Publications are considered that would benefit not only Specialist Sections but also other British Association Occupational Therapist members, agreement needs to be sought via the Specialist Sections Officer the appropriate protocol for signing off and production of documents.
