Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are groups or networks of occupational therapists who meeting to discuss specific clinical areas and related subjects. Members of these groups sometimes represent the College of Occupational Therapists on committees of other organisations e.g. OTs interested in Riding for the Disabled represent OTs within that organisation. Special Interest Groups do not have formal recognition at the College but we do encourage their work and the Specialist Sections Officers provides full support when and if they decide to apply for Specialist Section status.

The following steps need to be implemented to allow progression from a SIG to Specialist Section:

  1. SIG: usually a group of OTs have been meeting for several years, growing out of an interested group or network of OTs working in related areas of clinical activity.In the first instance these groups are usually co-ordinated by a few motivated individuals, and as the interest and membership develops and grows activities are co-ordinated by a Committee.
  2. In turn these groups, networks or forums often hold seminars or study days to generate interest, and out of this a national network is established, with more formal communication networks and links agreed.
  3. These networks/groups may have been running for several years before becoming more fully established before the decision is made to contact the Specialist Sections Officer at COT to formally consider applying for Specialist Sections status.
  4. SIGs that wish to be considered for Specialist Section status must work with the Specialist Sections Officer.
    Following the Specialist Sections Administration and Business Review, the COT Policy and Application Process is being reviewed.
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