The Head of Practice and Workforce promotes the profession to external stakeholders, influences national policy development & leads on positioning the current & future workforce. The Head of Practice and Workforce is responsible for leading the teams that gather, analyse and interpret information in the health, education and social care sectors to recommend how and where to position occupational therapy most effectively.

Client Details

RCOT, the Royal College of Occupational Therapists have championed the profession and the people behind it for over 90 years; and today are thriving with over 35,000 members.

RCOT offers a supportive and inclusive working environment that enables you to learn, develop and be the best you can in a role that suits you. Their ambition is to have a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities they serve. They don't only embrace diversity, they celebrate it, nurture it and support their staff in realising their true potential. RCOT welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are keen to see applications from people with lived experience of disability or long-term health conditions, from minoritised ethnic and LGBTQIA+ communities.

The Practice and Innovation Directorate ensures RCOT, and the profession, have a strong voice and international presence. They work with members, external stakeholders and partners to strengthen the evidence base that shows the impact of occupational therapy. RCOT champion a culture of research and service innovation; and drive forward and support pre-registration education pathways to build a resilient and sustainable workforce. The Practice and Workforce Manager works closely with and supports the Head of Practice and Workforce, and line manages the Professional Advisers in the Practice and Workforce team.

Description

In collaboration with the Director of Practice and Innovation, develops, communicates and manages the Directorate's strategy, ensuring alignment with other teams in the Directorate and organisation.

Identifying and delivering priority occupational therapy workforce related activity, including data collection and analysis.

Leading on the development and delivery of an occupational therapy workforce strategy

Developing and rolls out health and social care campaigns across the four UK nations on behalf of, and in collaboration with, the profession.

Working closely with the Director, horizon scans and monitors relevant legislation & trends in health, care and wellbeing services and policy developments across the UK

Working in partnership with the Director, develops and maintains effective working relationships with key senior internal and external partners. Proactively developing strategic alliances with other relevant organisations.

Working closely with senior leaders in the profession to maximise our collective influence and actively develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders in relation to workforce.

Collaborating with other professional bodies and external organisations to influence national policy developments regarding the education and learning needs of the occupational therapy workforce.

Leading the development of resources to ensure occupational therapy practitioners have the resources they need to deliver excellent services and decision makers understand the role of occupational therapy and how it meets the needs of populations and communities.

Preparing annual budgetary submissions in consultation with the Director and other senior colleagues.

Effectively manages budgets and contracts with public affairs agencies and other contractors to support delivery of their workforce strategy, projects and services.

Overseeing the management of Boards, committees, advisory and working groups for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland,

Working closely with Movement Building & Membership and Brand & Marketing to build up and support RCOT members and people with lived experience to act as our ambassadors, experts and media representatives

Profile

Extensive experience in the field of occupational therapy and managing teams.

Demonstrate experience of service improvement projects, workforce planning and delivery.

Solutions-driven and have the practical ability to create or adapt commercial strategies to suit the situation.

Manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders from start to finish and can translate strategic initiatives into operational plans.

Interpret complex documents on legislation and policy related to occupational therapy workforce and practice and develop robust responses and workplans within the context of the Directorate.

Highly developed in written and verbal communication skills including presenting and report-writing skills

Confident in your ability to influence colleagues and stakeholders and provide advice and guidance to senior leaders

Have the ability to work as part of a team and to collaborate effectively to provide matrix and thought leadership

Confident and proficient in using digital technologies to work collaboratively and productively in a hybrid working model, championing, and promoting new ways of working

Willing to travel and stay overnight when required.

Show enthusiasm to live and model RCOT values across all areas of work.

Have a demonstrable passion for embedding environmental sustainability principles across all areas of work including equity, diversity and belonging

High levels of self-motivation, enthusiasm, and passion for the professional field you represent.

Job Offer

Rewards and benefits are just one part of the reason RCOT is a great place to work. They offer significant benefits, including private healthcare, Christmas closure and an Employee Assistance Programme. In addition, they offer a hybrid working model which offers a blend of home and office-based working