We want to better understand current clinical use and prescription rationale for AFOs, so please consider completing this short survey to support this research project.
This survey is part of a taught MSc research project at the University of Lancashire, and we are really hoping to hear from a wide range of orthotists across different clinical settings.
Any questions? Please contact:
CMLagares-ballantin@lancashire.ac.uk
Ethics Reference: 02_2026
Your professional input would be greatly appreciated and will contribute to improving understanding of AFO prescription and clinical decision-making.
https://forms.office.com/e/kBwFn385Dj
Archives for February 2026
NEW: Scope of Practice for Prosthetists and Orthotists — Published February 2026
BAPO is pleased to launch our new Scope of Practice statement, providing clear guidance for practitioners, managers, and insurers on what falls within prosthetic and orthotic professional practice.
As our profession evolves, with digital design, additive manufacturing, enhanced, advanced, and consultant roles, and new models of care, it’s vital that we have a shared understanding of where our professional boundaries sit and how they can be appropriately extended.
This document sets out four key criteria for determining whether an activity is within scope, it covers the HCPC’s position on changing scope of practice, and answers frequently asked questions on topics from emerging technologies to delegation, surgical planning input, and advancing practice
📄 Read the full document: Scope of Practice FINAL
📺 Want to deepen your understanding? Watch these webinars: Links to webinars:
Webinar: scope of practice | The HCPC (for all levels)
Understanding your scope of practice at advanced levels of practice | Webinar
This statement should be read alongside BAPO’s Standards for Best Practice.
#Prosthetics #Orthotics #ScopeOfPractice #BAPO #HCPC #AHP
Job Advert – Essex Orthopaedics – Orthotic Technician
Job Advert – Buchanan Orthotics – Orthotist – NHS Lanarkshire
Have your say! In this study we want to know your thoughts on your preferred method of shape capture of the lower limb by conducting online focus group discussions in which you can express your opinions around this topic.
Capturing the right anatomical shape of prosthetic and orthotic patients is crucial for the development of comfortable and efficient lower limb devices. But what influences clinician’s decisions on which method to use? To better understand this clinical decision making we would like to ask those at the frontlines of patient care!
Have your say! In this study we want to know your thoughts on your preferred method of shape capture of the lower limb by conducting online focus group discussions in which you can express your opinions around this topic.
🥼 If getting it right is so crucial, why do clinicians opt for one method over another?
🌍 Open to fully qualified Prosthetists and Orthotists around the globe
🎓 Open to final year University of Salford and Strathclyde students
👩🏻💻 Discussions will last between 45-60 minutes
🤫 Results will be anonymised
📧 For more information or to express your interest in participating please contact: daniela.oyarzun-ulloa.2022@uni.strath.ac.uk
Job Advert – TayCare – Orthotist Vacancies – Buckinghamshire and Norfolk
Prosthetics and Orthotics Awareness Campaign
Prosthetic and orthotic services quietly underpin independence, mobility, and quality of life for thousands of people across the UK. Yet the vital work they deliver, the people who rely on them, and the skilled workforce that makes it possible are too often overlooked. This campaign exists to change that. It is about raising awareness of the real value of prosthetic and orthotic services and why they must be recognised, supported, and protected.
We are launching something bigger than a campaign. We are launching a shared movement.
The Prosthetics and Orthotics Awareness campaign brings patients, professionals, charities, stakeholders, and industry together as One Voice. It is a collective statement that these services matter, that the people who deliver them matter, and that the lives shaped by them matter.
The campaign will run from February 2nd until August 31st 2026, creating space over several months to listen, learn, and speak up together.
Prosthetic and orthotic services are often misunderstood as simply devices. In reality, they are skilled healthcare. They are built on clinical expertise, long term relationships, and deep understanding of individual needs. Delivered by highly trained professionals, these services support independence, dignity, mobility, and participation in everyday life. They change lives every single day.
Over the course of the campaign, we will be sharing videos, images, and quotes from representatives across the profession and from those who use these services. These voices will tell their own stories about how prosthetics and orthotics have impacted their lives and why they value prosthetic and orthotic services. Together, they will show the human reality behind the care.
Through this campaign, we are standing together to say that prosthetic and orthotic services deserve recognition, investment, and protection. Patients, clinicians, charities, and industry partners are speaking together to highlight the value of care that is personal, expert, and life changing.
This is why we value Prosthetic and Orthotic Services.
#WhyWeValuePO
#OneVoicePO
#ValuePO
#ProstheticsAndOrthotics
#PatientsAndProfessionals
Join the #ValueYourP&OTeam Campaign
Information for People Who Use Prosthetic & Orthotic Services
Prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) services change lives. This campaign is about making sure the public, decision-makers, and politicians understand just how important these services, and the people who deliver them really are.
If you have ever benefited from prosthetic or orthotic care, your voice can make a real difference.
You can take part in whatever way feels comfortable for you.
How You Can Get Involved
- Share a 30-Second Video
Record a short portrait video (around 30 seconds) explaining:
- Why prosthetic and/or orthotic services matter to you
- How they support your independence, mobility, confidence, or daily life
- Finish with “that is why I value the prosthetic and orthotic services”
Tips:
- Use your phone. it doesn’t need to be professional
- Film vertically if posting on social media
- Speak in your own words, authenticity matters more than polish
- Share a Short Quote
Write one or two sentences explaining why you value P&O services.
You might say:
- “My prosthetic allows me to live independently and do the things I love.”
- “Orthotic support helps me stay mobile and active every day.”
You can post this:
- As text on social media
- Over a photo
- As part of a campaign graphic
- Share Your Story
Tell your story in more detail if you feel able:
- How prosthetics or orthotics have helped you
- What access to good services means for your future
This could be:
- A social media post
- A short video
- A written story shared with the campaign team
Every experience is valid — long or short, simple or detailed.
- Contact Your MP
You can help influence change by contacting your local MP.
Let them know:
- This campaign is running
- Why you support prosthetic and orthotic services
- How these services impact your life
Ask them to:
- Support prosthetic and orthotic services
- Champion P&O care publicly and politically
Personal messages from people with lived experience are powerful.
- Share the Campaign with Local Media
Local newspapers and radio stations are often keen to share real stories.
You could:
- Tell them about the campaign
- Share your personal experience of P&O services
- Explain why these services matter in your community
This helps take the message beyond social media.
Where to Share
You can post your content on:
- X (Twitter)
- TikTok
Or share directly with campaign partners if you prefer not to post publicly.
Hashtags to Use
Please include one or more of the official campaign hashtags so posts can be found and shared:
- #ValueYourOrthotist
- #ValueYourProsthetist
- #ValueYourTechnician
- #ValueYourSupportWorker
- #ValueYourP&OTeam
A Final Message
You do not need to be a campaigner or a public speaker to take part. Your lived experience is enough.
By sharing your voice, you are helping protect and promote the prosthetic and orthotic services that so many people rely on.
Please send your videos to kate.pugh@bapo.com
Thank you for being part of this campaign
For more information about the campaign you can visit www.bapo.com
Please also see the filming guide below: