The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

Return to Practice

Guidance and Support from the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO)

At various stages in your career, you may choose—or be required—to take a break from clinical practice. This can happen for a range of personal and professional reasons, such as parental leave, caring responsibilities, illness, relocation, or extended travel. Regardless of the reason for stepping away, BAPO is here to support you in your journey back into the profession.

Returning to practice is both a professional and personal decision. It can be an exciting opportunity to reconnect with your clinical skills, re-engage with your professional identity, and contribute once again to the field of prosthetics and orthotics.

Understanding the Return to Practice Process

Your path to re-entering the profession will depend on how long you have been away from clinical practice and whether you are still registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

If You Are Still HCPC Registered:

  • You’ve been away from practice for less than two years: No formal updating is required. You can begin applying for clinical roles immediately. However, engaging in relevant CPD or observational practice may be beneficial for confidence and skill refreshment.
  • You’ve been away from practice for more than two years: While you remain on the HCPC register, it is recommended you complete a self-directed update of your knowledge and skills before re-entering a clinical setting. This may include supervised practice, structured study, or shadowing opportunities.

If You Are No Longer HCPC Registered:

  • You’ve been off the register for more than two years or you did not register within five years of qualification: You must complete the HCPC’s official Return to Practice process, which includes a defined period of updating. This process is flexible, self-directed, and can be tailored to your personal circumstances through supervised practice, formal study, or private learning. The timescale for completion has recently been reduced from 24 months to 12 months.

Useful National Resources

Supporting Colleagues and Employees Returning to Work

Organisations that actively support returners to practice gain significantly in both workforce capacity and retention. Research indicates that returners are highly skilled professionals—typically with an average of nine years of clinical experience before taking a break—and often return with two decades of professional life remaining before retirement. More than 60% of returners were working at Band 7 level or above at the time of leaving the register.

By facilitating return to practice, employers tap into a knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated workforce. Supporting these individuals is a strategic investment in long-term service quality and workforce stability.

Best Practices for Employers

  • Create non-registered roles to support individuals while they complete their HCPC return requirements.
  • Offer structured placements, fixed-term contracts, or honorary contracts to facilitate clinical updating.
  • Provide virtual and in-person learning opportunities, including online supervision, e-learning, and simulation.
  • Use interprofessional models, such as shared placements, group mentorship, or peer-led learning groups.
  • Leverage support networks, including teaming with local supervisors who are also hosting returners.
  • Build partnerships between clinical sites and higher education institutions to support mentorship and access to training resources.
  • Think flexibly: returners can undertake supervised practice in a variety of settings—not limited to direct patient care—including leadership, education, or research.