Biography

I have practice (forensic mental health), managerial (adult and older person's mental health - in patient, day patient and community teams, child and family psychiatry, paediatrics and Art Therapy services) and educational experience (undergraduate, postgraduate and post registration teaching and learning) within the field of occupational therapy and in other health and social care arenas , together with experience of innovative curriculum design and delivery specifically in the use of e-learning and the online learning experience.

Background

I trained as an occupational therapist at St Andrew's School, Northampton 1980-1983. From here I moved to Norfolk and commenced my career as a Basic Grade in the field of mental health, soon moving into forensic psychiatry at the Norvic Clinic becoming Head OT within this field in 1985. Moving north (1991) I took up an occupational therapy management post in Wigan (now part of the 5 Boroughs partnership) where I was involved in setting up an OT service to 6 CMHTs and 3 OPCMHTs. During this time I maintained a nominal caseload, working with clients with enduring mental health needs. However, much of my work was involved in service development and mentoring, clinical and managerial supervision of the occupational therapy staff within the service. Having identified a keen interest in the training and education of others through developing and delivering fieldwork educator courses for Allied Health Professionals (including OTs, Physios, Paramedics, Audiologists and Speech and Language Therapists) I moved to a Lecturer post at University of Salford in 2000 becoming a Senior Lecturer in 2006 and a Higher Education Academy Fellow in 2012. I have also been engaged in a number of successful projects as project manager/leader. One notable was an 18 month secondment to COT to develop the Post Qualifying Frameworkwith Interactive Learning Opportunities Database (ILOD) and to advise members and organisations (including the HCPC) on the writing of CPD profiles for HCPC re-registration audits. During this secondment I gained a wider focus on the profession as a whole, becoming more politically aware and a clearer strategic thinker.

On my return to Salford I co-developed the MSc Advanced Occupational Therapy programme delivered totally on line incorporating international aspects, negotiated assessments and principles of e- learning and virtual learning communities.

During my time at Salford I have developed experience and expertise particularly in CPD, e-learning principles and using online social networking in the education and professional development process. Professionally I retain an interest in ethical issues in practice and the fundamental use of occupation for health and well being. I am also interested in the use of virtual environments in education and practice, CPD and Lifelong Learning and issues of online professional identity.

On a lighter note I have written the beginning chapters of a modern day fairytale using research concepts as a basis for character development and storyline. if you fancy a bit of light entertainment visit: http://frederickroad.blogspot.com/2011/02/quest-for-truth-fairy-story.html

Personal Interests

I enjoy my job(s) and spend much of my time developing my skills in web 2.0 technology and building professional networks online. When I do have time I enjoy dabbling in astrology, genealogy, and all things "new age". I also occasionally get the sewing machine out and engage in some quilting or craft project for one of my many sidelines. I keep a scrapbook, a personal blog and a professional blog and a short diary - oh, and I have a model railway up in the attic.