After four years as RCOT’s Chief Executive, Steve Ford has decided to retire and will be leaving the organisation in June 2025.
Under Steve's leadership we set out an ambitious five-year strategy – to step up for occupational therapy, based on what our members and the wider profession told us they needed from their membership body.
As part of that strategy, we’ve embarked on a significant transformation to become a truly member-focused organisation. Steve has led those changes, working closely with the leadership team, to provide a voice for the profession, deliver better support for our members, boost awareness of occupational therapy and do more to embed equity, diversity and belonging in all our activities.
In spring we’ll reach a major milestone in our transformation journey, launching new benefits and improved digital services for our members. Steve has decided that once these have been delivered, it will be the right time – for RCOT and for him personally – to retire.
Odeth Richardson, Chair of BAOT Council and RCOT Board of Trustees said:
On behalf of Council and the Board and everyone at RCOT, I’d like to thank Steve for his leadership, support and commitment to our members and profession. Steve has been a passionate and progressive chief executive and together we’ve embarked on an ambitious transformation journey. He leaves us with excellent foundations and a clear direction in place for a new chief executive to build on, working with our dedicated leadership team who will ensure we deliver our vision for our members.
On a personal level I’ve really enjoyed working with Steve and know he will be hugely missed by colleagues and members. I wish him the very best for a well-deserved retirement.
Speaking about his retirement, Steve Ford, Chief Executive said:
It’s been a huge privilege to lead RCOT over the past four years and this wasn’t an easy decision to make. During my time I’ve made it my mission to meet as many members as possible from across our profession. I’ve heard the challenges they face and learnt so much about the innovations and opportunities occupational therapists create every day to deliver more for the people they work with.
I’m constantly inspired by the passion and commitment of occupational therapists. I have strived for RCOT to give our members the strongest support and be an advocate for our profession. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve collectively achieved and confident that I leave RCOT in a strong position to continue stepping up for occupational therapy.
Steve will leave in June 2025. Under the guidance of the Chair, Odeth Richardson, the Board of Trustees has already started the process to appoint a new chief executive, to continue our journey of transformation and deliver for our members.