The Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Ford as Chief Executive. Steve will start at RCOT on 6 April 2021 and succeed Julia Scott, who will be leaving the organisation on 26 February 2021.
Steve has more than 30 years’ leadership experience in the health and social care sector and a strong record of transforming organisations both strategically and culturally. For the last 15 years, Steve has been Chief Executive at Parkinson’s UK and during that time led the charity through a time of significant growth, developing the services and support that are available to people affected by Parkinson’s, as well as building a new and innovative approach to research. Steve has always recognised the importance of good quality health and social care and so developed the UK Parkinson’s Excellence Network, as an innovative partnership between the charity and health professionals to drive up standards.
Previously Steve was a general manager and chief executive in the NHS, most recently as Chief Executive of South West Kent Primary Care Trust. Throughout his career, Steve has worked closely with occupational therapists and has been a champion of multidisciplinary care.
Commenting on the announcement, RCOT Chair of Council, Diane Cox said:
“I am delighted to welcome Steve to RCOT. He is a well-respected, proven and innovative chief executive with an exceptional record. His leadership experience in the health, social care and charitable sectors will be invaluable.
His personal approach and leadership style will serve him well in leading both the RCOT team and our 34,400-strong community. His passion for improving lives is perfectly in tune with our role as occupational therapists to enable individuals to achieve their full potential.
I am confident that in Steve Ford we have the right strategic leader, who will work seamlessly alongside our occupational therapy experts to ensure the profession is best placed to meet future health and social care challenges.”
Commenting on his appointment, Steve said:
“RCOT is a great organisation, full of great people, and I am honoured to be given the opportunity to help shape its future and that of the occupational therapy profession.
Throughout my career, I have worked alongside many amazing occupational therapists. I’ve seen the difference occupational therapists make to people’s lives, in particular the vital role they play in supporting people with long-term health conditions. I am looking forward to raising the profile of the profession so that it receives the investment needed to ensure occupational therapists can play their full role in future models of health and social care.
I believe that the most important skill in a leader is listening, and from doing that comes ambition, focus and passion. My focus when I start in April will be to spend time with the team, volunteers and members so that I can build on my knowledge of the organisation and profession to better understand our future challenges and opportunities.”