Being involved in the Regional Committee, a BAOT local or student group not only enhances your CPD but is also instrumental at helping you understand and influence your professional body and professional issues and can be a springboard to developing your leadership within Occupational Therapy.

The South East BAOT Regional Group as well as the network of local and student groups strive to ensure members concerns, ideas and practice needs are addressed through our annual Life Long Learning event, local study days, committee meetings, the regional ‘Engage’ newsletter and website.

Local groups in the South East:

• North Hampshire Local Group: Lys Bowerman
  Open to all OTs in the area of Basingstoke, Alton, Bordon and Aldershot in health and social care.
  beriah.chandoo@cot.co.uk
  
• Isle of Wight group: Linda Pay
  Open to all OTs across the Isle of Wight in health and social care.
  linda.pay@iow.nhs.uk
  
• Medway and Swale Integrated OT Services: Diane Riley
  Open to all OTs in Medway, Sitingbourne and Sheppey in health, social care, retired and self employed.
  diane.riley@swalepct.nhs.uk
  
• Thames Valley OT Managers Group: Gemma Brown
  Open to all BAOT members/OT Managers working in health and social care within the four counties. Local group business relayed as part of main meeting agenda.
  Gemma.Brown@voa-pct.nhs.uk
  
• St Andrew's Group of Hospitals: Donna Schell
  Four counties professional forum.
  beriah.chandoo@cot.co.uk
  
  
• Windsor group: Natasha Yemm
  Helena Day Hopital, King Edward VII Hospital, Windsor SL4 5DP
  Tel. 01753 636102
  

Lifelong Learning Grant

How much is the Grant?
The total amount to be allocated has been decided by the BAOT South East Regional Committee the total amount allocated for the financial year 2009/2010 is £1500.

Individuals will be able to claim up to a maximum of £150 (individuals may only receive one grant within the financial year).

What type of course or event qualifies for a grant?
Any course or event costs that contributes to a members CPD/Lifelong Learning (not including travel and subsistence).

Who can claim?
To apply for a grant the claimant must be a BAOT member and either work or live in the South East Regional area.

What do I need to do?
Download a claim form from the website and once completed return to the Treasurer Linda Love on linda.love@wsht.nhs.uk
You will be notified of the outcome within 2 weeks of receipt of application.

Selection Process
The South East Regional committee will consider each application for a grant in accordance with the Madden and Mitchell principles (1993) as quoted in BJOT article ‘College of Occupational Therapists: Strategic Vision and Action Plan for Lifelong Learning’ January 2004 67(1) pg 20 – 28 (see ‘Relevance to Practice’ on the application form).

What happens if I am successful?
Successful applicants are required to submit a report/article for publication in the regional ‘Engage’ newsletter (minimum 500 words) within 4 weeks of the course/event. Please submit to the Treasurer on the above email address. 

If the successful applicant subsequently does not attend the course/event or does not submit a report/article within the 4 weeks, the grant must be repaid in full.

Lifelong Learning Grant claim form

Contacting the South East Regional Committee

Chair: Trish Morris
trish.morris@rws-tr.nhs.uk

Secretary of the South East Regional Committee: Melanie Jane Gillard

Please contact the Chair and Secretary via the Senior Membership Officer.
Senior Membership Officer: Beriah Chandoo
beriah.chandoo@cot.co.uk

Contacting UNISON

BAOT/COT members can access UNISON services via local staff stewards. If you do not have a UNISON staff steward then contact your UNISON Branch Secretary by telephoning 0845 355 0845.