The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics

News

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Introducing Maeve Cassidy as the new BAPO Champion

BAPO would like to welcome Maeve as our first BAPO Champion, promoting within her service the work BAPO does and the benefits membership has. Maeve will be leading a BAPO Champion initiative and added more BAPO Champions to the team. We look forward to seeing the work Maeve does. 

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Design a prosthetic limb for a superhero

The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics, in collaboration with the Limbless Association, and LIMB-art, is launching “Design a Superhero with a Prosthetic Limb” for Key Stage 2 pupils across the UK .

This engaging project challenges students to design a prosthetic limb for a superhero, helping them explore engineering, design thinking, and the human impact of healthcare careers. Along the way, pupils also learn about the role of prosthetists and how science and creativity combine to change lives.

Why get involved

  • Links directly to STEM learning and the Gatsby Benchmarks
  • Supports PSHE themes of inclusion, resilience, and positive representation of disability
  • Offers a meaningful encounter with a real healthcare profession
  • Flexible for classroom, club, or enrichment use

Who can take part
All UK primary school pupils in Key Stage 2.

Prizes

  • The winning student or group will see their design turned into a real LIMB-art prosthetic cover.
  • The winning school will receive a £1,000 voucher to spend on resources or student activities.
  • The winning entry will also be featured in BAPO’s national magazine and online platforms.

Key dates

  • Entries close: 29 May 2026
  • Winner announced by: 30 June 2026

Entries are submitted by schools via a simple online form, and pupils can enter using drawings, models, or digital designs.

All competition materials, including lesson-friendly resources and full guidance, are available in the competition pack.

For more information or to get started, please see the document below:

School Superhero competition FINAL2Download
Submit your entry here

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Applications now open: NIHR Predoctoral Award

NIHR Academy.
NIHR Predoctoral Award NIHR Academy.
image. Hello,   We are pleased to let you know that the NIHR Predoctoral Award is now open for applications.   This award supports aspiring early-career researchers to advance their health and social care research careers at master’s level. Applications close 12 March 2026.   The scheme is open to a wide range of applicants, including: health and social care professionals individuals based in local authority settings individuals based in primary care settings Methodologists   The NIHR Predoctoral award provides: Full salary, including contribution to national insurance Either a full master’s fees at the UK rate or £5000 per full-time year for a tailored masters-level training £1000 for working with people and communities £1000 supervisory fees £1000 conference fees and associated travel and subsistence We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity with relevant departments, faculties, members or networks within your organisation. You may also wish to engage with our social media posts on  X and LinkedIn.   Please contact us at IPPS@nihr.ac.uk or 0113 532 8444 if you have any queries   Thank you for your continued support in helping us reach a diverse and inclusive research community.   NIHR Academy Learn more about NIHR Predoctoral Award

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📢 Calling all health and care professionals working in any rehabilitation setting in the UK!

At the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre Rehabilitation we are looking into the education and training needs of health and care professionals working in UK rehabilitation settings relating to #rehabilitation #technologies. Our survey only takes a few minutes to complete and will help to inform future provisions – please have your say!

Access the survey and more information here:

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/nottingham/education-and-training-needs-rehab-tech

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BAPO welcomes Sam Baker-Jackson as the new Technician and Support Worker Committee Chair

🎉 New Chair Announcement – Technician & Support Worker Committee 🎉

We’re pleased to announce Sam Baker-Jackson as the new Chair of the BAPO Technician & Support Worker Committee, taking over from Bex Wilkinson.

Sam is an Orthotic Administrator with a passion for showcasing the vital role of admin professionals within healthcare and inspiring others in similar roles. As someone who is neurodiverse, Sam embraces the strengths this brings and values the inclusive opportunities provided by BAPO and the team at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

Through BAPO, Sam has been supported to contribute to research, abstracts, and professional development, and to engage with courses and conferences that have opened doors for growth and wider involvement across the profession.

👏 We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Bex Wilkinson for all of her hard work and dedication in setting up and developing the Technician & Support Worker Committee. Her commitment has created a strong foundation for the future of the group.

Please join us in congratulating Sam Baker-Jackson on the new role and thanking Bex Wilkinson for her fantastic contribution!

#BAPO #LeadershipAnnouncement #SupportWorkers #Technicians #Orthotics #InclusiveHealthcare #CommitteeLeadership

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Welcome Ankit Singh as BAPO Editorial Committee Vice-Chair

🎉 Welcome Ankit Singh – Vice Chair, BAPO Editorial Committee 🎉

We’re delighted to announce Ankit Singh as the new Vice Chair of the BAPO Editorial Committee.

Ankit is an HCPC-registered Prosthetist and Orthotist currently practicing with the NHS in Scotland. He holds a Postgraduate degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics from the University of Strathclyde (2019) and completed his undergraduate training at the University of Delhi (2016).

His work focuses on patient-centred care, gender-specific prosthetic design, and innovative approaches in cranial remoulding orthosis, helping shape the future of clinical practice in P&O.

We’re excited to have Ankit’s leadership, insight, and passion supporting the Editorial Committee and the wider BAPO community.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Ankit Singh on his new role!