The Orthotic Education and Training Trust was originally set up by the Department of Health and the British Surgical Trades Association, in partnership with the British Institute of Surgical Technologists, to provide a private fund for the training and education of Orthotists. The income was substantially derived from a levy on orthotic device sales to the NHS. This levy ceased when the training of Orthotists progressed to degree courses funded directly by government within the state higher education system.
The Trustees now manage the investment income derived from the levy funds as its only source of income. Their focus currently is on postgraduate training and education. The object of the Trust as defined by its deed is to fund firstly, the education and training of Orthotists, Orthotic Managers and Technologists and secondly, the training of Technicians concerning surgical and medical appliances and devices (i.e. orthotic devices).
Application forms for Funding can be found on the OETT Website.
As general guidance, the following should be noted, although each case is treated individually and exceptions may be made (this is by no means an exhaustive list):
1. Short Courses and Workshops
Applications for reimbursement of attendance on short courses (duration of three weeks or less) must be submitted to BAPO Secretariat (see address at the end of these guidance notes) on the Funding Application Formdesignated for this purpose (available via OETT website or on request from BAPO or the Clerk to the Trustees). The course fee, plus travel and accommodation, will normally be reimbursed. All applications for re-imbursement of short course costs must be accompanied by a completed Course Overview Form (available via OETT website or on request from BAPO or the Clerk to the Trustees).
It is requested that all claims are routinely submitted on completion of the short course; unduly late applications for reimbursement will only be made at the discretion of the Trustees.
2. Postgraduate Training/Study
For applications relating to postgraduate training, in principle, currently 67% of the funding needed may be provided. This is also the case for travelling fellowships to study at overseas centres of excellence and for research training fellowships.
3. Conferences and Seminars
For conferences, a limited number of places will be funded (fee, plus travel and accommodation up to a specified limit), on a first come, first served principle. In return for such funding, the participants are required to make a report available after the event that can be widely disseminated and may be posted on the Trust’s website on www.oett.org.uk
Exceptions to the guidance for Conferences and Seminars are the annual BAPO Conference in the UK, and the ISPO Conferences, where the Trustees provide sponsorship for an orthotic speaker, rather than support for delegates attending these events.
4. Continuing Professional Development Visits
Applications for visits to Centres of Excellence, to enable continuing development in particular aspects of orthotics, will be considered on individual merit.
5. Technician Transfer Scheme and Support of Mature Students
For orthotic technicians and for mature students wishing to undertake the degree course, some funding may be provided, if their costs cannot be met through normal channels such as student loans and university bursaries.
6. Administration of Applications for Funding
It is advisable that all Applicants should carefully read the Guidance Notes on Applications to OETT before making their application for funding or cost reimbursement.
All applications for funding of education and training outlined above must be submitted on the designated Funding Application Form (see Note 1. above).
All applications must be supported by all requested documentation, and specifically a CPD Portfolio form or equivalent together with a completed Course Overview Form (see Note 1. above).