We’re delighted to award Nicola Spalding, Professor Emeritus at the University of East Anglia and visiting Professor at Birmingham Newman University, an RCOT Fellowship.
Nicola’s incredible career and educational excellence are a testament to the power of continuous learning as a way of life. We’re delighted that Nicola has accepted the award, and over the moon to share her acceptance in her own words.
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Reflections
I thank my lucky stars that a sixth-form tutor introduced me to occupational therapy. There are many family members, friends and colleagues to also acknowledge for supporting my occupational therapy journey. They encouraged me to experience so many opportunities when I would have lacked the confidence.
A special thanks to my nominees too – thank you for persuading me you should propose me for the Fellowship, whilst I argued I was only doing my job.
Receiving an RCOT Fellowship is the icing on the career cake!
I want to use this opportunity to reflect. Reflecting as a process, and these reflections below, highlight the centrality of my continuous learning and supporting others to learn, and my belief in the value of occupational therapy.
Patient Education
The importance of education was realised for me when I worked with patients waiting for a hip replacement – leading me to develop a preoperative education programme.
My aim was to support patients to understand and have the confidence to prepare for surgery and their postoperative needs.
News spread, leading to its implementation across many UK hospitals.
Student Education
My passion for educating took me into academia at the University of East Anglia. I loved being an occupational therapist, so how fantastic to support others to do the same.
Planning teaching sessions meant I was learning too and – despite stage fright before sessions – I delighted in student interactions. It remained an honour to celebrate students graduating into the profession every year.
I completed a Masters and Professional Doctorate, both in education. Publications from my research followed, thrilling me each time. Conferences again created nerves, but the sense of achievement after each one was exhilarating.
I made the most of the collaborative opportunities that arose, enabling me to positively influence UK occupational therapy education quality. This included being an external examiner for nine universities across our four nations, being an RCOT Accreditor and Education Board member and teaching healthcare professionals internationally. Each allowed me to learn from others' excellent practice.
Educational Leadership
I had the chance to accept and learn from many educational leadership roles, including Admissions Tutor, Course Director for various pre and post-registration programmes, Associate Dean and, the most pleasurable of all, Professional Lead for Occupational Therapy.
It was a joy to work with such a collaborative and dedicated team. I instigated many team events and learning initiatives, taking pleasure in encouraging their academic growth.
Educational Collaborations
Aware of the significance of student education reflecting practice, I undertook clinical work and research to remain current.
I was a Non-Executive Director in an acute NHS Trust, with particular responsibility for education, research and quality. The resource demand gap was difficult, and I have complete admiration for the staff who continuously endeavour to do their best.
Although I planned to retire in 2023, opportunities for consultancy work to develop new occupational therapy programmes and mentorship arose and I am proud to use my experience to expand UK occupational therapy education.
Educational Potential
I have achieved more than I ever dreamed. I am very lucky to have had many wonderful and varied opportunities that enabled me to fulfil my occupational potential.
A RCOT Fellowship is the highest honour we can present to our members to recognise exceptional service and outstanding contribution to the profession, and RCOT, over many years.
Nicola joins our list of incredible Fellows.