Published on: 8 August 2025
Two NHS Occupational Therapists who work with local children across Derby and Derbyshire have recently been presented with a Merit Award by the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT). The award recognises the person’s contribution to the profession on either a local or regional scale, in a specialist field of practice or in a diverse area of practice. 
Elaine Rickett, a Community Paediatric Occupational Therapist, and Janet Taylor, Occupational Therapist for the Children and Young Adults Therapy Team at Derbyshire Healthcare, have each showed leadership, innovation and a lasting impact on practice and service delivery throughout their longstanding careers, championing person-centred care, advancing inclusive practice, and mentoring the next generation of occupational therapists.
Both Elaine and Janet were particularly celebrated for their dedication to children's Occupational Therapy and to the promotion of Occupational Therapy during their NHS careers exceeding 40 years. Their recognition by RCOT places them among the most respected professionals in the field and reflects the Trust’s commitment to excellence in allied health services.
Mark Powell, Chief Executive at Derbyshire Healthcare, said: “We are thrilled to see Elaine and Janet’s dedication recognised at a national level. Their work has not only transformed lives locally but has also shaped the broader occupational therapy landscape. This honour is really well deserved.”
After receiving the good news Elaine and Janet shared their thoughts on their Merit Awards. Elaine said: “I am thrilled to receive this award. This clinical setting is varied, and I am continually learning.
“My greatest joys are the ‘lightbulb’ moments, when children, families, occupational therapy students or colleagues suddenly realise that they have a new means of understanding and addressing their difficulty. That is magic.”
Janet said: “I am delighted to have been awarded an RCOT Merit Award. Firstly, a thank you to Nicola, and Anna who supported the nomination. I am so proud to be an occupational therapist. It has enabled me to be disruptively curious, to develop different ways of working and explore new ideas.
“Alongside working for the NHS in service developments, I have enjoyed working overseas in Africa on a voluntary basis and getting back to grass roots in adapting therapy goals to local needs and relevant outcomes. It has been amazing to see the profession develop over the years with an ever-widening scope of practice. After 41 years in the NHS this award makes me so proud of the work that I have accomplished, and I hope that I have supported and inspired other therapists to take up the challenge for the years to come.”
You can read a full list of award winners who received awards on the Royal College of Occupational Therapy website.
