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How do I decide what type of membership is best for me?
The fourth page of the membership application form covers membership types and benefits. If you would like to join you can complete this application form and return it to us. Please allow us approximately 4 weeks to process your membership.

• Download BAOT Application form 2010

How can I pay for my membership?
You can pay for your BAOT membership fees by:

• Direct debit, monthly quarterly or annual
• Cheque annually
• Credit/Debit card annually
• Bankers Draft annually

If you already pay by direct debit but wish to update your bank details please print the mandate and return to BAOT. Please include your membership number on this form:

• Download Direct Debit mandate

If you wish to pay by debit or credit card please print and return this form. Please ensure that you include your membership number on this form.

• Download Credit Card form

What are the benefits of membership?
Insurance benefits include professional indemnity, professional liability and product liability insurance up to a limit of £5 million for any one claim. This covers you for claims first made in the UK or the EU. Professional indemnity covers any error, omissions or negligence. Please note indemnity does not extend to private practice where fee income is above £1,000 per annum. If you are self employed and earn more than this it is advisable to effect further insurance and the association has contacts who are able to assist in this matter.

Industrial relation advice and assistance. This is a valued benefit offering full membership of BAOT/UNISON. It is not available to members outside the UK or to those who are solely self-employed in private practice. For Lecturers in Higher Education UNISON has agreed joint membership arrangements with AUT, NATFHE and EIS to provide an industrial relations service.

Two monthly publications. Occupational Therapy News (OTN) and The British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT)*. The BJOT publishes papers on theory and practice, education, management and research in occupational therapy. OTN is a practice centred news magazine with articles on clinical information and innovative service developments. Both publications contain an average of 270 jobs per month, which can also be viewed online.

Professional Advice. You can receive professional advice on matters of professional practice and ethics from the Professional Affairs Officer.

"When I needed professional guidance regarding my legal liability as an OT over advice given to a disabled client, COT's professional Affairs Officer gave me expert advice which was invaluable."

Membership of a Regional Group and Local Group. Information about your local groups and activities are sent to each member. Contact details of groups are printed in OTN each month, and are available on the Members Only area of this website.

Access to the COT Library. BAOT members have access to a huge collection of current and past textbooks and information, as well as professional librarians that can answer your enquiries and assist in seeking the correct information. Literature searches can be requested on the Members Only area of this website.

Optional membership of 12 accredited specialist sections & individual membership of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT). You can become part of a group of occupational therapists with a common interest in similar areas of work that aim to promote their area of clinical interest. Download an 2010 WFOT application form here.

Free downloads of College publications. Save up to £400 against the cost of printed copies.

Members only areas to College of Occupational Therapists website. The COT website aims to be the quality assured site for OT information in the UK. It includes a searchable job vacancy database, events listings, CPD information, searchable library catalogue, discussion forums and a searchable online version of the British Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Special low rates. You can now enjoy special low rates for conferences, events, publications, publicity material, promotional goods, post registration and educational courses.

Voting rights. As a member of BAOT you have the opportunity to vote for appropriate Council representatives and at any formal ballot which the organisation conducts.

Income tax relief on subscriptions. You can apply for tax relief on up to 75% of your BAOT subscription on your highest marginal rate of tax.

How can I become a student member?
To become a BAOT student member register online on the National Student Database. Setting up your BAOT student membership will take you around 10 minutes to complete. Even if you do not need to pay for your membership you still need to activate your membership.

• http://baot.co.uk/Homepage/About_Membership/Join_BAOT/Become_a_student_member/
  

Student members can access a range of online resources that will help you write assignment, get to grips with the theory and prepare for practice placement.

• Illustrate to future employers and the Health Professions Council (HPC) that you are dedicated to your own personal and professional development.
• Demonstrate you are part of the profession - join over 28,000 other occupational therapy staff throughout the UK in developing and celebrating the profession.
• Enjoy discounts on national and local events or occupational therapy publications - you just need to quote your membership number.
• Access career planning tools and a range of online resources that will help you prepare for the world of work upon qualification.
• Participate in stimulating debate and discussion via the College online discussion forum - get in touch with members across the UK.
• Access student focused resources that are tailored to meet your needs.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance and joint membership of Unison - your personal cover while out on practice placement and related OT work.
• Online access to the British Journal of Occupational Therapy (BJOT) and Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy (CJOT) and OTN, the best practice magazine, delivered every month.
• Opportunities to engage with your professional association to help develop your CV, such as attending the student conference or writing for OTN.

What does the Professional Indemnity insurance cover?
Read the Insrance Summary 2010 for an overview of the professional indemnity provided to BAOT members:

• Download Insurance Summary 2010
  

As part of your BAOT membership you are covered by liability insurance that covers a variety of risks in respect of occupational therapy work. This will cover members except for private practice work where the total earnings in respect of gross fees are in excess of £1,500 in any one year.

The BAOT policy is a 'claims made' policy. This means that the policy applies to claims made during the period of insurance. Therefore, provided that you make your claim whilst you are a BAOT member and thus insured, it does not matter when the actual incident or act or negligence took place. However, it is essential to notify the insurers via Aon Ltd of any potential claim or circumstances that might give rise to a claim as soon as you are aware of them. If you have any doubt as to whether or not an incident should be reported, you can ring the AON Help-line and discuss the matter with an insurance expert.