Members FAQs

Frequently asked questions relating to membership of BAOT

Recent problems with membership

BAOT wishes to apologise unreservedly to all members and students for the delays you may be experiencing with membership renewals or joining. The delays are due to technical problems with our new membership system and we are working hard to resolve this matter. We do value your membership very highly, so please be patient during this difficult time. 

How do I decide what type of membership is best for me?

Please read the following to find out the correct category of membership for you. A brief list of the membership benefits for each category can be found in the “Join Here” booklet or on the BAOT website.

Professional Membership

You hold a professional qualification recognised by Council or have completed a period of training or actual practice as an occupational therapist as prescribed by Council.  You are either registered with the Health Professions Council or be eligible for registration with the Health Professions Council and be resident in the UK. New Professional members receive 25% off their fees for the first year.

Associate Membership

You are engaged in work within the recognised definition of occupational therapy, but be ineligible for registration with the Health Professions Council. You are supervised in this work by an occupational therapist.  New associate members receive 25% off their fees for the first year.

Self-Employed Member

As for Professional membership, but you should be wholly self-employed. A full definition can be found on the BAOT website or in the “Join Here” booklet.

Overseas Membership

As for Professional membership, but you must be resident outside the UK.           

Career Break Membership

You are eligible for a discounted membership fee whilst taking a career break of up to one year.

Retired Membership

You are an occupational therapist or support worker no longer actively employed in that role because of retirement at the statutory age, or any form of retirement recognised by employers.
 

How can I pay for my membership?

You can pay for your BAOT membership fees by:

• direct debit, monthly quarterly or annual
• cheque annually
• credit/debit card annually
• bankers draft annually

 
If you already pay by direct debit but wish to update your bank details please print the mandate and return to BAOT. Please include your membership number on the Direct Debit Mandate Form:
 
Public File:
Download Direct Debit Mandate Form [pdf]
 
Public File:
Download Direct Debit Mandate Form [Word]
 
If you wish to pay by debit or credit card please print and return this form. Please ensure that you include your membership number on this form.
 
Public File:
Download Credit Card Form

I have forgotten my BAOT membership number

We need to confirm who you are before giving out your membership number. If you need your membership numberquickly telephone the membership administration department on 020 7450 2348.

I can't login to the website

Please allow up to 15 working days for your login to be setup from when your membership starts.

What are the insurance benefits of membership?

Insurance benefits include professional indemnity, professional liability and product liability insurance up to a limit of £5 million for any one claim. This covers you for claims first made in the UK or the EU. Professional indemnity covers any error, omissions or negligence.
 
As part of your BAOT membership you are covered by liability insurance that covers a variety of risks in respect of occupational therapy work. This will cover members except for private practice work where the total earnings in respect of gross fees are in excess of £1,500 in any one year. If you are self employed and earn more than this it is advisable to effect further insurance and the association has contacts who are able to assist in this matter.
 
The BAOT policy is a 'claims made' policy. This means that the policy applies to claims made during the period of insurance. Therefore, provided that you make your claim whilst you are a BAOT member and thus insured, it does not matter when the actual incident or act or negligence took place. However, it is essential to notify the insurers via Aon Ltd of any potential claim or circumstances that might give rise to a claim as soon as you are aware of them. If you have any doubt as to whether or not an incident should be reported, you can ring the AON Help-line and discuss the matter with an insurance expert.
 
Public File:
Download Insurance Summary 2012

What are the industrial relations benefits of membership?

Industrial relation advice and assistance. This is a valued benefit offering full membership of BAOT/UNISON. It is not available to members outside the UK or to those who are solely self-employed in private practice. For Lecturers in Higher Education UNISON has agreed joint membership arrangements with AUT, NATFHE and EIS to provide an industrial relations service.

Do BAOT members get income tax relief on subscriptions?

You can apply for tax relief on up to 75% of your BAOT subscription on your highest marginal rate of tax.
 
Public File:
Download Tax Relief Letter

How can I become a student member?

To become a BAOT student member register online on the National Student Database. Setting up your BAOT student membership will take you around 10 minutes to complete. Even if you do not need to pay for your membership you still need to activate your membership. Become a student member online:
 

Visit the National Student Database to activate your student membership