The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics

News

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The Return to practice (HCPC) programme

Dear AHP Professional Bodies

I am delighted to inform you that the Return to practice (HCPC) programme is now live on the NHS England learning hub platform.

https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/rpt

This course is intended to improve understanding of the HCPC return to practice process and the support offered by The NHS England Return to Practice programme for HCPC returners.

The course offers specific content for returners, supervisors, and organisations. As everyone involved in the return to practice process gains a better understanding of the process and the support available, returners can be supported more effectively to rejoin the health and care workforce.

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BAPO Tech and Trends Webinar – Buchanan Orthotics – Diverse Suspension Solutions for Advancing Prosthetic Care

Details

This webinar provides clinicians with a practical overview of modern prosthetic suspension solutions designed to improve comfort, skin health, and functional mobility. The course examines common limitations of traditional suspension methods—such as pistoning, skin irritation, and alignment constraints—and introduces alternative approaches that better address patient variability and complex clinical presentations.

Participants will gain insight into hybrid suspension technologies, including Coyote’s Air-Lock system, which combines the security of pin suspension with the benefits of suction. Key topics include system design, internal mechanics, fabrication workflows, and patient indications, with emphasis on clinical decision-making for both diagnostic and definitive sockets.

Real-world case studies highlight outcomes in active patients, individuals with compromised skin integrity, volume fluctuation, short residual limbs, and other challenging anatomical presentations. The webinar also explores fabrication efficiencies, alignment flexibility, and emerging workflows such as drop-in components and 3D-printed socket integration.

The course concludes with clinical tips, troubleshooting strategies, and guidance on incorporating these suspension solutions into everyday practice to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.

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MRF Launchpad Grants for Children & Young People’s Movement and Balance Disorders

The Medical Research Foundation has launched a £500,000 funding call to support research that will increase understanding of movement and balance disorders, and improve diagnosis, treatment and interventions in children and young people.

The Launchpad Grants in Children & Young People’s Movement and Balance Disorders offer up to £100,000 over two years for researchers and clinical academics in the UK conducting movement and balance disorder research that will act as a ‘launchpad’ for further research.

Funding can be used to conduct pilot studies, generate data and collaborations, and develop competitive research proposals for larger funding.

The Medical Research Foundation has launched this grant opportunity to improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms of movement disorders, such as essential tremor, cerebral palsy, tic, ataxia and dystonia.

Treatment options for children and young people are often suboptimal or limited, and in many cases are not targeted to the specific cause underlying the movement disorder. There also remains a significant knowledge gap between the molecular basis and treatment pathways.

Proposals which include research investigating the following themes are particularly encouraged:

  • Increased understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the causes of movement disorders.
  • Further understanding of mechanisms of action of any available therapies.
  • Development of treatments and interventions, including pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions (such as orthotics, splints, physiotherapy, speech and language therapies).
  • Mental health impacts of movement and balance disorders in children and young people.

Application is open to researchers and clinical academics at based at HEIs, Research Council research institutes, hospitals, and other independent research organisations in the UK.

Applicants must hold a PhD, DPhil, MD or doctorate in a relevant area and be conducting their research at an eligible institution. Researchers may be at any career stage.

Clinical academics and applicants with clinical duties, including Allied Health Professionals, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Applications should be submitted by the deadline on 27 March 2026.

Link: Medical Research Foundation | Launchpad Grants in Children & Young…

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BAPO P&O Awards 2026

Nominations Now Open

The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (BAPO) P&O Awards 2026 are now open for nominations.

These annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams working across prosthetics and orthotics, recognising those who demonstrate exceptional dedication, compassion, innovation, and excellence in their work.

Nominate Someone Making a Difference

Do you know someone who works in prosthetics and orthotics who goes above and beyond?
Nominate them today for the British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics Annual Awards and help us recognise the commitment and professionalism of those making a real difference to the lives of patients and service users.

Why Nominate?

The BAPO P&O Awards highlight excellence across the profession and provide an opportunity to:

  • Celebrate outstanding practice and innovation
  • Recognise dedication and compassionate care
  • Share best practice and inspire the wider P&O community

How to Nominate

Nominations are open to professionals working in prosthetics and orthotics across the UK.
Simply complete the nomination form and submit it before the closing date.

🗓 Nominations close Thursday 30 April 2026

Nominate for an award