National guidance, policies, and strategies

Linking the Prosthetic and Orthotic Workforce with Strategic Direction Across the UK

The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) plays a vital role in connecting the prosthetic and orthotic profession with national policy, regulatory frameworks, and strategic healthcare priorities. We recognise that in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape, practitioners and employers must remain informed of evolving guidance issued by governmental, professional, and regulatory bodies.

This page provides direct access to a curated library of national documents from across the four nations of the United Kingdom, as well as key frameworks from the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the National Orthotic Managers Association Group (NOMAG). These documents offer essential insights into current expectations, workforce development, service delivery models, research priorities, and professional standards.

BAPO is committed to ensuring that our members are not only aware of these guiding documents but are also supported in aligning local practice with national ambitions. We actively reference these strategies when developing our own standards, guidance, and educational materials, ensuring a coordinated and future-facing approach to the advancement of prosthetic and orthotic services

Key documents

England

• The Allied Health Professions strategy for England: AHPs Deliver (2022 – 2027)
• Allied Health Professions’ Research and Innovation Strategy for England (2023)
• AHP Health and Work Report: Guidance for AHP practitioners on the use and completion of the Report
• The Allied Health Professions health and work report
• NHSE orthotics model service specification
• NHSE Prosthetics service specification
• Multi-professional framework for advanced practice in England
• AHP Educator Career Framework (2023)
• AHP Preceptorship Standards and Framework
• Multi-professional Practice-based Research capabilities Framework (2024)
• The NHS long-term workforce plan (2023)

Wales

• AHP framework for Wales: Looking forward together

Scotland

• AHP Musculoskeletal Pathway Framework (2013)

Northen Ireland

• Impact vision for AHPs (2024-29)
• AHP Research and Innovation strategy
• Revised Regional Supervision Policy for AHPs (2022)

The HCPC

• HCPC Standards of communication revisions
• HCPC Standards of Proficiency for prosthetists and orthotists (2024)
• HCPC standards of conduct, performance, and ethics
• HCPC guidance on conduct an ethics for students
• HCPC guidance on social media
• HCPC guidance on confidentiality for registrants

NOMAG

• NOMAG guidance on orthotic provision eligibility (2019)

BAPO’s Role in Supporting Strategic Alignment

Through regular engagement with national strategies, BAPO ensures that the prosthetic and orthotic profession is informed, future-ready, and aligned with multidisciplinary healthcare ambitions. These documents are central to shaping workforce education, role development, service transformation, and the profession’s visibility within the broader allied health community.