Urgent letter to the Secretary of State
The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO) have written to the Secretary of State to raise serious concerns about the potential closure of the Prosthetics & Orthotics apprenticeship programmes at the University of Derby. Losing this vital training route would remove a third of the countrys’s pipeline and put the future of our already fragile workforce at risk — affecting prosthetists, orthotists, technicians, and ultimately the millions of people who rely on these life-changing services. In our letter, we’ve asked for urgent clarity from NHS England and the Government on:
• Delayed apprenticeship funding
• Undelivered employer support
• The stalled work on small & vulnerable professions
• The lack of a clear commissioning pathway for P&O services
The consequences of inaction are real and human: reduced independence, poorer health outcomes, and increased pressures on already stretched services. BAPO is calling for immediate steps to protect training, stabilise the workforce, and safeguard the future of prosthetic and orthotic care across the country. We will continue to advocate on behalf of our profession and the people we serve.
BAPO Bitesize
Coming February 2026
Introducing BAPO Bitesize – launching February 2026! We’re excited to unveil a brand-new online, on-demand education resource from the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO). BAPO Bitesize brings you concise, accessible learning designed to support CPD, spark new ideas, and keep you up-to-date with best practice in prosthetics and orthotics—anytime, anywhere.
📅 Arriving February
🎓 Learn at your pace
💡 Built for the P&O community
Enhanced Practice Mythbusting
🔍 Enhanced Practice: Clearing up the confusion
Swipe through the graphic to see a few myths busted about what Enhanced Practice really is in Prosthetics and Orthotics.
👀 Myth 1: It’s a job title
Reality: It’s a level of capability across the four pillars of practice. It’s about how you apply knowledge and skills every day.
📚 Myth 2: Off the job training means time away from clinic
Reality: Most learning happens in your usual patient facing role. What matters is how you evidence new behaviours.
🎓 Myth 3: The Salford PGCert is only for band 6, NHS or full-time staff
Reality: The course is open to NHS and private providers and part time applicants. Banding does not define access.
🌍 Myth 4: Enhanced Practice only applies in England
Reality: The apprenticeship route is England based, but the direct entry route is open to applicants from anywhere.
🚀 Why it matters
Enhanced Practice focuses on real world capability and can be a stepping stone toward Advanced Practice.
BAPO Regional Conference – Oxford – Save the Date!
Short survey for above-knee prosthesis users and clinicians working with prosthesis users!
https://imperial.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8Clf4sQiTiYRtHg
We want to know what would be important to you in a new prosthesis socket design, so please consider filling in our short survey so we can better address your needs. We are really hoping to hear from a range of clinicians and users – and particularly want to hear from both females and males!Any questions? Please contact: Loïs Galletly at lois.galletly17@imperial.ac.uk
BAPO P&O Awards 2025
Band 7 Highly Specialist Prosthetist – Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust
First year learners at Strathclyde and Salford Universities receive BAPO goody bags
This week, first-year prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) students at the University of Salford and the University of Strathclyde received their BAPO “Welcome to the Profession” goody bags, marking an exciting start to their journey into the P&O community. 🦾📚
The packs are designed to introduce students to the profession early, providing useful tools, resources, and a sense of connection with the professional body from the outset. Students shared what they loved most:
University of Salford:
💬 “Having an awareness so early into my career is invaluable.”
💬 “Makes you feel more connected to the industry and a part of the community before you are qualified.”
💬 “Insight into the industry, connections, benefits, and a team of assistance.”
University of Strathclyde:
💬 “I love the useful tools like the tape measure and goniometer — they’ll be helpful in our patient assessments.”
💬 “The water bottle was a nice touch.”
💬 “The resources about mentorship and what is available through BAPO are really helpful.”
Receiving these packs helps students build confidence, develop practical skills, and feel part of the P&O professional community from day one.
BAPO is proud to support the next generation of prosthetists and orthotists as they embark on their learning journey. 💙
Seeking Insight from UK Prosthetists!
Loughborough University is gathering professional input on long-term residual limb care for lower-limb amputees, as part of a study focusing on preventing secondary issues such as skin breakdown, socket discomfort, and volume fluctuation.
As a Prosthetist – you can provide invaluable guidance to ensure the research and resulting assistive product align with real clinical priorities. Please consider taking a few minutes out of your day to fill in the form below. Any questions about the study should be directed to Sarah Brown: s.brown-22@student.lboro.ac.uk
Survey closes: 15 December 2025
Take part here: https://forms.office.com/r/ZbhcXiGp0G