Technician and Support Worker Committee

Hi I’m Sam Baker-Jackson is an Orthotic Administrator who is passionate about showcasing the vital role of admin within healthcare and hopes to inspire others in similar roles. As someone who is neurodiverse, I embrace the strengths this brings and values the inclusive opportunities provided by both BAPO and the team at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. I have been-supported to contribute to research, abstracts, and professional development through BAPO courses and conferences, which has opened doors for growth and involvement across the profession.

After graduating from AUB in 2008, Ann-Marie began her career as a prosthetic technician at the family-run Dorset Orthopaedic, which later became part of Ottobock in 2014. She is now Lead Technician at the Ringwood branch, with experience across all aspects of prosthetics and orthotics, including bespoke silicone prostheses and functional prosthetics. Ann-Marie has trained both new and experienced technicians in the UK and abroad and is often relied upon for troubleshooting and problem-solving. She is passionate about sharing knowledge, developing others, and showcasing the vital role of technicians within the profession

She shares her work on Instagram @hd_silicone_prosthetics.

I’m Teri, an Orthotics Technician with nearly 10 years’ experience at The Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital. I began my career as an apprentice, completing an Engineering & Manufacturing course, and have since developed a broad skill set within orthotic fabrication. I now also support the training and development of apprentices and visiting students, something I find particularly rewarding.
 
My main area of work is FFOs, although I also contribute to the manufacture of AFOs and CCDs. A large part of my role involves sewing adaptations to improve fit and function for patients, including work on wrist splints, helmets, straps, and occasional footwear modifications.
 
More recently, our department has begun exploring 3D printing, an area I am especially enthusiastic about. With a background in Art & Design and an interest in CAD/CAM, I’m excited to be involved in integrating new technologies into orthotic practice.

I have been in orthotics for 35 years, starting as a footwear and Insoles technician, working my way up from footwear/insoles Supervisor to Production Manager and Operations Manager, and where I sit now as Contract Review and Technical Support Manager. I see myself as bridging the Gap between the Technician and Orthotist, making sure the technicians understand what the orthotists want and need, and making sure when the orthotist place their orders, all the spec is correct and fully understandable for manufacturing.

My passion is collating ideas and getting best outcomes for all products made with a meeting of minds of technicians and Orthotists alike.

Over the years, I have worked with some of the best Technicians in the country and have worked with some amazing, passionate Orthotists who love the work they do.

It really is a job that makes so much difference to many lives that I will always love doing.

Brian Clements, a previous pattern maker and factory manager in the hat trade, I came into prosthetics 15 years ago as a technician, manufacturing, repairing and maintaining prosthetic devices. Brian also has experience in AFO and KFO repairs, moving into the role of workshop supervisor at the Luton and Dunstable limb fitting centre in 2020 and passing the PDA Rehabilitation Technologies course SCQF level 7 in 2018. Brian attended the 2025
 ISPO Stockholm conference as a moderator for the inaugural technical track program highlighting the importance of technicians in the P&O industry. 

As a result of contracting polio aged just two years old, I spent my school years in specialist schools for disabled children. My first experience of making orthopaedic footwear was at The Lord Mayor Treloar College in Hampshire at the age of just 11 years old. In 2025 I completed 60 years working in the industry.
 
After working for three of the larger manufacturers of NHS footwear, at the age of 40 I set up my own company The Cordwainer, working with clients with complex footwear requirements. Although I am now working half time (I am now 72 years old) I still make around 75 pairs annually, of which around 10-15 are for NHS clients.
 
During the years 2000-2010 I undertook many training sessions at Salford University teach orthotics students about assessing, measuring and making orthotic footwear, since 2020 I have been involved with teaching orthopaedic footwear students at DeMontfort University, Leicester,
 
I have been campaigning for improvements in the way NHS is supplied through the various contract systems over the year, and I see first hand when things go wrong, and when orthotists themselves are unable to get the best for their patients. In 2011 I set up a conference at Leeds University based on the NHS Hutton Report of 2009, and in 2027 I hope to repeat this exercise in cooperation with a number of national disability groups. 
 
In 2020 I published my book The Orthopaedic Shoemaker and has now sold over 300 copies worldwide. It is presently being translated into Chinese language.
 
I am looking forward to contributing to this committee.

I have been in orthotics for 35 years, starting as a footwear and Insoles technician, working my way up from footwear/insoles Supervisor to Production Manager and Operations Manager, and where I sit now as Contract Review and Technical Support Manager. I see myself as bridging the Gap between the Technician and Orthotist, making sure the technicians understand what the orthotists want and need, and making sure when the orthotist place their orders, all the spec is correct and fully understandable for manufacturing.

My passion is collating ideas and getting best outcomes for all products made with a meeting of minds of technicians and Orthotists alike.

Over the years, I have worked with some of the best Technicians in the country and have worked with some amazing, passionate Orthotists who love the work they do.

It really is a job that makes so much difference to many lives that I will always love doing.

I have worked in the NHS for 23 years now. Initially as a support worker for Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy within a Neurological Physical Disability Rehabilitation service. I joined the Orthotic service in 2016 as a Senior Clinical Assistant before successfully being appointed as Clinical Assistant Team Lead.

I am passionate about support worker education and have always advocated for education opportunities for health care support staff in my previous and current roles. I believe support staff are the backbone of any establishment and that everyone no matter how big or small their role may be, play a vital part within the bigger picture of the service.
I am delighted to be part of the committee and look forward to the opportunities and change we can create for the wider network as a team.