The WFOT welcomes you, and looks forward to your contribution to the work and promotion of the WFOT – the key international representative for occupational therapists and occupational therapy around the world.
It is important that all Delegates are well prepared for CM 2020. The following information is provided to ensure that Delegates understand all areas of WFOT, their responsibilities as Delegates, and are able to contribute to a constructive and productive Council Meeting (CM).
Delegate Checklist
All Delegates should follow the checklist below to guide their preparation for CM 2020
- Review WFOT website and resources
- Review Delegate Responsibilities
- Complete Background Reading
- Communicate with Member Organisation
- Respond to communications from WFOT
- Review this website regularly for updated information.
New Delegates can review an additional checklist.
About WFOT
WFOT has a long and rich history, and is the leading international organisation promoting and developing the profession of occupational therapy globally. As a worldwide body we represent the occupational therapy profession in its role of improving world health and wellbeing.
WFOT is a Federation of occupational therapy organisations that has a robust, accountable and transparent governance structure.
We have grown into a global network of 101 member organisations, representing 550,000 occupational therapists.
Each Member Organisation has an official Delegate to represent and govern the strategic decisions made by WFOT. Each delegate is supported by an Alternate Delegate and in some instances, a Second Alternate Delegate.
From this group, a leadership team is elected to form the WFOT Executive Management Team. There are four Executive Members – President, Vice President, Vice President Finance and the Executive Director in addition to Programme Coordinators. The Executive Management Team are responsible for the day to day operational management of the organisation.
Every two years the WFOT Executive Management Team and the official Delegates of the Member Organisations meet at a formal Council Meeting to govern the responsibilities and strategic direction of the Federation.
The Executive Management Team meets in the intervening year and immediately prior to Council to review and progress the agreed work of the Federation.
WFOT operates on a results based management model and undertakes projects with agreed plans and outcomes aimed at supporting the profession’s and the organisation’s growth and development. Projects must be linked to the strategic and operational plans of the organisation combined with the Sustainable Development Goals and UN Global Compact.
We represent the profession at a global level by influencing and collaborating with international stakeholders.
About WFOT Delegates’ Responsibilities
The WFOT Position Descriptions for the Delegate and 1st Alternate Delegate include:
Qualifications
- Is a qualified occupational therapist
- Is an individual member of the WFOT
- Is a member of a Programme Area identified after attending the first WFOT Council Meeting
Generic Functions
- Abides by WFOT’s Codes of Conduct and Conflict of Interest guidelines
- Attends all functions, events and related meetings of the WFOT
- Attends where possible the WFOT Congresses and participates in any WFOT Business Meeting which may be called during the WFOT Congress
- Follows the organisational objectives and financial policies according to the organisational priorities
- Undertakes such tasks as required for the WFOT’s continued development and progress or those requested by the Executive
- Monitors Programme Area’s developments and world events, specifically those impacting health and social well-being with implication for their Programme Area.
The Responsibilities of Delegates are detailed in the relevant section of the WFOT Delegates Manual.
About the WFOT Council Meeting
Every two years the Executive will call a Council meeting to be held in a country of one of the WFOT Member Organisations. The Council consists of the Executive Management Team and the duly elected or appointed delegate and one alternate (or approved proxy) from each Member Organisation. Such representatives shall be occupational therapists who are qualified professional members of their respective organisations. The Council meets for five (5) working days; one or two evening sessions may be included (subject to change by WFOT).
The delegate and one alternate (or approved proxy) may attend all meetings of the Council and may express opinions, but only one vote may be cast on behalf of each Member Organisation. The delegate, if present, casts the vote. Both delegate and alternate speak to issues raised and both serve on WFOT Programmes teams. Business is conducted according to the agenda and using procedures outlined in “Roberts Rules of Order”.
The delegate is asked ahead of the Council Meeting to forward agenda items for discussion at the meeting. Agenda items from Member Organisations may be forwarded to WFOT for the Council Meeting.
A preliminary agenda is forwarded to Member Organisations prior to the Council Meeting, and a final draft agenda is provided (electronically) to each Delegate at the commencement of the Council Meeting.
Nominations for Executive positions and Programme Coordinators (including those submitted by Member Organisations) are made prior to the Council meeting. A final slate is provided to Delegates prior to the Council Meeting.
Member Organisations are seated in Council with the Executive Management Team at the head. WFOT provides a seating plan for the Council Meeting table, when the number of Delegates attending has been confirmed.
Non-participant observers may apply to attend WFOT Council Meetings – permission and instructions are determined by WFOT.
WFOT Delegates and Alternates are generally funded to attend the Council Meeting by their Member Organisations. The Delegate may request financial assistance from WFOT to attend the meeting if unable to attend due to insufficient funds from their Member Organisation. Council Participation Funding is awarded to the WFOT Member Organisation – only one application is expected per organisation.
Following the Council Meeting, the Minutes will be published for Delegates. These are official documents of the WFOT and are circulated internally by WFOT to Member Organisations. These documents are not to be made publically available.Report from the Meeting – Following the Council meeting, delegates should give a report to and provide information from the WFOT Minutes to their Member Organisation.
New Delegates
WFOT welcomes new Delegates to the Council Meeting. In addition to the information provided for all Delegates, WFOT offers support to new Delegates.
Checklist for New Delegates
Prior to Attending Council Meetings, New Delegates should:
- Consult with your previous WFOT Member Organisation Delegate regarding Council Meeting procedures, documents, experience, suggestions
- Consult with your WFOT Member Organisation regarding Council agenda items; and other relevant information
- Ensure your Member Organisation Subscriptions have been paid (due January 31st)
- Ensure your Delegate Annual Report has been submitted (due January 31st)
- Ensure that the previous Delegate has submitted WFOT Project Reports as required
- Ensure all Delegate details on WFOT website are current
- Ensure you have Delegate log-in access to the WFOT website www.wfot.org Contact the WFOT Secretariat if you require assistance at [email protected]
- Ensure that you respond promptly to all communications from WFOT, including Call for Agenda items; Call for Nominations for Elections; Call for Nominations for Awards
- Become involved in the WFOT Delegate Mentoring Programme
- Be prepared to share information about your country such as: health care system; developments and directions in occupational therapy; opportunities for employment; education programmes; your country’s occupational therapists’ activities in other countries; etc.
Induction & Mentorship
The following Induction video will enable new Delegates to be oriented to WFOT, the Executive, and to the procedures of the WFOT Council Meeting.
The WFOT Mentorship Programme aims to support new Delegates to understand the work of WFOT and in particular to actively participate in the WFOT Council Meeting.
A short introductory meeting between mentors and mentees will take place on the first day of Council.