Supporting the Prosthetic and Orthotic Workforce through Guidance, Tools, and Strategic Insight
The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) is committed to supporting not only practitioners but also the organisations that employ and develop the prosthetic and orthotic workforce. Our dedicated employer resources are designed to provide clarity, structure, and confidence in the recruitment, retention, and development of staff across clinical, technical, and support roles.
With the increasing complexity and demands on health services, employers require up-to-date, relevant, and practical guidance to ensure their teams operate at the highest standards of patient care, professional development, and workforce planning. BAPO’s suite of employer-facing resources is tailored to meet these needs, enabling organisations to make informed decisions that align with national standards, professional frameworks, and the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.
Why BAPO’s Employer Resources Matter
- Promote Workforce Planning and Efficiency
Our job planning guides help service managers and clinical leads develop clear, structured roles and responsibilities for prosthetists and orthotists. This ensures effective service delivery, appropriate caseload management, and alignment with best practice and regulatory expectations.
- Support Apprenticeship and Early Career Pathways
BAPO provides comprehensive documents detailing employer expectations of apprentices, guidance on funding apprenticeship routes, and insight into how to effectively support learners in practice settings. These tools help create consistent, positive learning environments and facilitate successful progression from student to practitioner.
- Enable Career Progression Frameworks
From enhanced to advanced and consultant-level practice, BAPO’s guides outline the competencies, expectations, and organisational support needed to develop extended scope roles. These documents are vital for service managers seeking to retain skilled professionals and encourage leadership within the workforce.
- Strengthen Induction and Onboarding
The Graduate Welcome Pack and Apprentice Expectations document provide employers with structured tools to support onboarding and integration of new staff, helping to foster engagement, professionalism, and clarity from day one.
Key Employer Resources Available
- Job Planning Guide for Prosthetists and Orthotists
- Funding Prosthetic and Orthotic Apprenticeships
- Employer Expectations of Apprentices
- Apprentice Expectations
- Graduate welcome pack instructions
Graduate welcome pack final - Advanced Practice: A Guide for Employers
- Enhanced Practice: A Guide for Employers
- Consultant Practice: A Guide for Prosthetists, Orthotists, and Employers
- Early career guidance framework for prosthetics and orthotics: A guide to preceptorships in prosthetics and orthotics
- Preceptorship – expectations for employers
Partnering for Workforce Success
BAPO’s employer resources are more than informational documents—they are strategic tools designed to empower organisations, improve patient outcomes, and ensure the long-term sustainability and professionalism of the prosthetic and orthotic workforce. By aligning with BAPO’s guidance, employers demonstrate a commitment to excellence, education, and the future of the profession.