This week our host is @FocusOnFairness a project supported by @ElizabethCasso1
The Focus On Fairness Observatory is an arm’s length project of the Elizabeth Casson Trust exploring diversity, inclusion and equity within the profession. For our second Observatory event held on 11th January 2023, we invited attendees to explore what support minoritised occupational therapy graduates starting their careers. Individuals with varied experiences attended, including newly qualified occupational therapists, representatives from clinical practice, universities, bodies such as RCOT and the HCPC, as well as other professions such as physiotherapy.
We specifically considered the actions that could be taken by Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), how recruitment practices and processes can be equitable, as well as how we support graduates in post and facilitate retention. Eight different ideas for next steps came from the discussions, which were then voted on by attendees who each chose three that should be prioritised by the Trust. The ideas with the most support were:
- Co-produced research about what helps OTs to feel supported in transitioning from learner to OT involving academics and the whole community
- Review and redesign recruitment processes from outreach to employment and share through a guidebook
- Managers to understand their role and responsibility regarding active allyship
We would like to ask some further questions regarding these ideas, and we hope that you can discuss them with us.
- What does co-produced research exploring the transition from learner to OT look like for you? How could students and NQOTs work with academics most effectively on this work?
- What does an equitable recruitment process look like for you? Are you able to share any positive or negative experiences? What would have improved the recruitment process?
- How is it best to engage occupational therapy managers to consider their role and responsibility regarding active allyship? Which forum/ fora should be used? If you are a manager, how would you like to learn more about active allyship?
OTalk 