Search Results for: work experience

25th April 2023 by BAPO Admin

Science Museum Technicians Gallery – Request For Volunteers

In November 2022 the Science Museum opened Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery to inspire young people aged 11–16 to consider technical careers across a range of industries. You and your organisation helped make this happen by either being featured on gallery, creating workshops that were delivered to schools or by chatting to our team sharing what your technician role entails.

An exciting opportunity has become available to continue the collaboration with you in the look out to find some more technicians that would be interested in sharing their stories with young people.

Where do you come in?

We are recruiting a team of people with technical backgrounds from a range of organisations to participate in authentic and engaging experiences that speak directly to the young people who visit the Science Museum. These experiences include hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and Q&A sessions, delivered in the gallery by real technicians with support from our experienced Public Engagement Team. Your staff’s skills, knowledge and experiences could help young people imagine themselves in the role of a technician and or apprentice!

Our ask of you

Technicians/apprentices that sign up will participate in a free programme of training over 1.5 days. Working with local young people, they will build their confidence to share their experience, skills and the pivotal moments of their careers, with other young people. Facilitated by the Museum engagement team your technical staff will participate in careers-focused Q&A Sessions.

The Q&A sessions will last 40-minutes and will be delivered to school groups and families
Your staff will answer young people’s questions about your organisation, and their role as a technician and or apprentice.
They will be able to sign up to 5 volunteering days across the academic term, reaching up to 180 students and their teachers each day

Find out more!

On Thursday 4^th May from 17:00 – 18:30, we will be holding an Open Evening at Sci-Fi Lates! Here you can:

Find out more about the exhibits, the stories that have been told and the role that you could play
Take part in an interactive to give you an example of the Science Museum Group’s public engagement approach
Meet some of the Science Museum Team that will be supporting you
Ask any questions you may have

From 18:30, you are free to explore Sci-Fi Lates! Lates is an adults-only after hours event that gives you the chance to explore the museum at night, take part in themed activities and much more! So, expect lots of science-fiction themed fun, food and drink! You will also get a drinks voucher from us to use at Lates to get yourself a free drink.

If you would like to attend or know someone in your team that might be interested, then please do RSVP by emailing STEMVolunteers@sciencemuseum.ac.uk by Friday 28^th April.

If you would like to find out more about the gallery and the programme, then please do read the further information below or do drop us an email with any questions you have.

Best wishes,

Technicians Programming Team

Further Info

Who is the programme for?

• Schools – booked education groups only in school termtime

• Family events – for family groups across school holidays

• Special events – programming during the summer holiday period

What will young people gain?

Young people will be able to imagine themselves in a role in a company such as yours through this programme. They will:

• Explore their skills and use their knowledge to work through the same tasks and challenges that technical staff face every day in their jobs.

• Work as part of a team in hands-on experiences using real tools.

• Ask staff the career questions they want answered.

What will you gain from this experience?

• Public speaking and presentation skills – your employees will be supported and trained to highlight their achievements, share knowledge and stories, and inspire young people.

• Experience of working directly with young people and trained learning professionals.

• Experience of working in a different environment, in a world-renowned institution and a national museum – contributing to your employees’ professional development and strengthening their loyalty to your company.

• Partnership building – connecting with schools, colleges and universities gives these institutions broader insight into your industry, opening up opportunities for you to shape the skills being taught to your future workforce.

• Networking opportunities – employees from a variety of different industries will be able to get to know one another and share experiences.

• Having fun, stepping out of their comfort zone and taking on a new challenge.

Previous Winners

Advancing Healthcare 2025

BAPO is proud to sponsor an award dedicated to celebrating impact and excellence in prosthetics and orthotics at the 2025 UK Advancing Healthcare Awards. This year’s shortlisted nominations have been announced.

Congratulations to Laura Barr who was the winner of the BAPO award for evidencing impact and excellence in prosthetics and orthotics. More will follow about the Advancing Healthcare Awards and Laura.

Many congratulations to Nikki, Laura, and Eileen for being shortlisted for the BAPO sponsored AHA award. Three fabulous role models for our profession. I am delighted the impact they have had has been recognised. I am looking forward to celebrating with them on May 23rd.

Dr Nicky Eddison,

BAPO Chair

The Shortlist

Eileen Morrow

Improving the prescription of dynamic contracture bracing

I am honoured to be shortlisted for the 2025 Advancing Healthcare Award in the BAPO category for Evidencing Impact and Excellence in Prosthetics and Orthotics. I am also proud to be nominated alongside Laura Barr and Nikki Munro, whose projects are advancing our profession and delivering meaningful benefits to patients, orthotists, and the wider NHS.
Over the past four years, I have led a service evaluation at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to understand which patients receive dynamic contracture bracing, and who benefits from it. I found that orthotists and referrers were uncertain when to prescribe these braces, and that orthotists were fitting the braces inconsistently. Some orthotists advised wearing them for a vague “few hours a day” or overnight, and orthotists set the brace up with different stretch settings. This variation meant patients received mixed messages, making it harder to use the braces effectively.
To address this, I worked with my team to review existing research, create a clear and consistent wear protocol, and assess its impact. We introduced a standard guideline recommending one hour of wear per day with a defined level of stretch. Our findings showed that this approach was equally as effective. We also discovered that only 20% of patients prescribed with a dynamic contracture brace saw an improvement in their contracture, but were unable to predict these patients using routinely collected clinical data. This highlights the need for further research to better understand who benefits from bracing.
This project was achieved with no additional funding, relying on strong collaboration and creative resource use. By embedding the evaluation within routine clinical practice, the entire team remained engaged in data collection over four years, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Service users played a key role in shaping patient information and selecting outcome measures, ensuring that the project remained patient-centred and clinically relevant.

Laura Barr

The Orthotics Evidence Portal: enhancing evidence-based practice in the UK orthotic profession

Bio: Laura graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2007 and works as an Advanced Practitioner within the Orthotic and Orthopaedic services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

Project description: The Orthotics Evidence Portal, formerly known as DEBOP, is a unique resource designed to facilitate access to the evidence-base regarding the orthotic treatment of patients with musculoskeletal pathology or diabetic foot conditions. The Portal is the product of a 10 year effort by a group of orthotists in the UK who want to improve access to the orthotic evidence-base. Since 2014, it has enhanced evidence-based practice in the UK orthotic profession, by improving accessibility to clinically-relevant publications in order to assist clinical decision-making.

Nikki Munro

Trailblazing Leadership in Orthotics, Advancing Patient Care, Staff Development, and Service Sustainability

Nikki Munro graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 1993 with a BSc Hons in Prosthetics and Orthotics and has worked as an Orthotist since graduation. She has worked in both the contracted and NHS sectors and has carried out a number of projects and secondments during her career. As an Advanced Specialist Orthotist she led in the specialist areas of Adult Neurology and Diabetes. She is currently Clinical Lead and Service manager for Orthotics in NHSGGC. She is also Professional lead for Orthotics within NHSGGC and lead for Quality Improvement for all AHPs in NHSGGC and holds a Scottish Improvement Lead qualification. She is Chair of the Scottish Clinical Orthotic Leads Group.

Nikki’s summary statement for her nomination:

Nikki has been a pioneering leader in Orthotics at NHS Greater Glasgow &Clyde (GGC) since 2016. She has developed some of
the UK’s first Advanced Practice roles for Orthotists, revolutionised patient care through ACRT (advanced clinical referral
triage), and championed staff development, creating lasting impact on both services and patients.

BAPO is pleased to share the winner of the BAPO Inspirational Innovators in Prosthetics and Orthotics Award and The Advancing Healthcare Awards Best Overall Winner Award.

“Huge congratulations to Steve and the team at Sheffield Children’s Hospital for winning the BAPO-sponsored Advancing Healthcare Award and winning the Overall Award. A first for P&O and a magnificent achievement. The project was so inspiring and shows the impact orthotic treatment can have for our patients”

Dr Nicky Eddison, BAPO Chair.

“BAPO was delighted to sponsor this award and Steve and his team’s achievements show why it’s important to celebrate their success. This groundbreaking work is changing lives which was also recognised by him winning the Overall Award. It was an absolutely joy to share this experience with him and to see the P&O profession being recognised in this way. Congratulations Steve!”

The winner was announced at The Advancing Healthcare Awards on 26^th April 2024 at the Park Plaza Victoria, London.

You can view more information and take a look at photos of the day on the AHA website here

WINNER – Steve Hewitt, Spinal Clinical Specialist (Orthotist) at SCH (Sheffield Childrens Hospital), The SpineCorporation Ltd

Steve Hewitt, Spinal Clinical Specialist (Orthotist) at SCH (Sheffield Childrens Hospital), The SpineCorporation Ltd

Scoliosis management in SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) patients

It was a great honor to be nominated for the Advancing Healthcare Awards, which has come about after 7 years of continued development into spinal bracing for children with SMA.

All of this could not have been possible if it wasn’t for the pioneering approach of the Neuromuscular team at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, along with the innovation and support within Spinecorporation.

This started as a highlighted need for a more unique design for this complex caseload as we envisaged the longer-term issues we may face around spinal and postural management, with what was, in essence, a new patient group. We have identified the key features within bracing that are fundamental to their treatment, and implementing my knowledge of more advanced postural corrective techniques in managing scoliosis have arrived at our current brace design.

We have been driven to produce a new treatment protocol and make it evidence-based, with early results being presented last week at the SMA world congress, and has led to a recent multicenter NHS collaboration, interest from several SMA charities, and attracting significant interest from around the UK and now internationally, as parents strive to find the best treatment options for their children.

SHORTLISTED – Eileen Morrow, Doctoral Clinical Academic Fellow, University of Oxford

Research leadership: trailblazing contributions to prosthetics and orthotics

I am honoured to be shortlisted for the BAPO prize for inspirational innovators in prosthetics and orthotics at the Advancing Healthcare Awards. This shortlisting represents a massive collective effort to advancing research in prosthetics and orthotics, and I am very grateful for each of my academic mentors and collaborators. As I continue my DPhil, I am excited for the future as I continue to develop as a researcher. Thank you for the recognition of my contributions.

SHORTLISTED – Catherine Finlayson, National Operations Manager and Prosthetist, and the team at Opcare and Crispin

Transfemoral sockets: it’s time to amputate outdated designs

Hello! I’m Catherine Finlayson, National Operations Manager and Prosthetist, for Opcare. Having graduated in 2012 from the University of Strathclyde I have gained prosthetic clinical experience in a number of centres in England. I have progressed through my career in various roles by developing leadership and management skills as well as keeping in touch with clinical practice.

Our project that was shortlisted for the Advancing Healthcare Awards focused on transfemoral socket design and technology and the utilisation of 3D printing for this patient group. Our project identified improvements both from the patient’s perspective and that of the service provider, but also in terms of environmental impact which is an area often overlooked in our industry. This, combined with the cost-effectiveness of the prototypes we developed, make it an attractive option which we hope can become the norm in our clinics.

I would like to acknowledge the rest of my team: Melisa Hallan (Clinical Lead Prosthetist – Opcare), Les Street (Senior Technician – Opcare), and Elen Parry (3D Design Engineer – Crispin) – thank you all for your combined efforts and input. I hope that we can inspire others to develop ideas and work on projects to improve the outcomes and experience for our patients.

Sarah Stewart wins BAPO Placement Student of the Year Award 2023

The 2023 BAPO Placement Student of the Year Award has been won by Sarah Stewart. Sarah was nominated by Hannah Edwards, David Blair, and Harriet Dawes, Clinical Placement Supervisors, from the Southeast Scotland Mobility and Rehabilitation Technology (SMART) Centre, NHS Lothian, Scotland. Sarah’s nomination was seconded by Suzanne Faulkner, Faculty member from the University of Strathclyde.

Sarah’s Clinical Placement Supervisors stated:

“Sarah began her Orthotics placement in Edinburgh in January. She brought with her a positive attitude and has integrated well into the Orthotics Team, showing flexibility, forward-thinking, and attention to detail in her clinical work. Sarah has fully engaged in her weekly supervision sessions, discussing what she would like to achieve throughout her placement and working with her supervisors to gain the most from the experience. Sarah has been professional throughout, understanding when to ask for help and using every learning opportunity she can. Sarah interacts very naturally with patients and puts them at ease during appointments. She has worked with patients aged between 6 months and 96 years, from paediatric scoliosis clinics to diabetic Multi-Disciplinary Team, and has a flare for clear explanations and holistic appreciation of patients’ goals and lifestyles. She is confident in making suggestions in the best interests of her patients. We have even had a patient say that they enjoy coming to their orthotic appointments as they are such fun with Sarah there! She has made a real contribution to the education of our technical apprentices with her presentations on medical conditions, and her timely, comprehensive notes have been much appreciated by all staff involved in ongoing care”.

New for 2023, the BAPO Placement Student of the Year Award is presented annually to a UK prosthetics and orthotics student who has demonstrated exceptional professionalism during a clinical placement. This award celebrates a student who has had a really positive interaction with the profession on their placement. It shines a light on someone’s achievement on placement and on their professional integration in the workplace. Such a student will demonstrate an interest in professional affairs and empathy and care for patients. BAPO wishes to promote these traits in the next generation of professionals. The selection panel were pleased to receive five anonymised nominations for the award which they screened against criteria.

The prize is £250 plus a year’s graduate membership subscription to BAPO.

6th March 2023 by BAPO Admin

BAPO Placement Student of the Year Award 2023

Click here to nominate

Nominations are now open for BAPO Placement student of the year award. Your nomination will help shine a light on someone’s achievement on placement and on their professional integration in the workplace.

New for 2023, the BAPO Placement Student of the Year Award is to be
presented annually to a UK prosthetics and orthotics student who has
demonstrated exceptional professionalism during a clinical placement.

This award celebrates a student who has had a really positive interaction with
the profession on their placement. It shines a light on someone’s
achievement on placement and on their professional integration in the
workplace. Such a student will demonstrate an interest in professional affairs
and empathy and care for patients. BAPO wishes to promote these traits in
the next generation of professionals.

Nominations:

Students with clinical placement experience in any year of study may be
nominated by a Prosthetist and/or Orthotist who is a local Practice Educator,
Clinical Placement Supervisor, Clinical Placement Coordinator (and equivalent
titles) or by other placement site personnel who have worked closely with the
student.

The nomination must be seconded by a Faculty member with responsibility
for clinical placements from the student’s registered University.
Nominators should consider the student’s professional engagement during
clinical placement and identify a nominee who has made a big impact on
professionalism.

Students in any year of study with a clinical placement may be nominated.
Award:

One award of £250 plus a year’s graduate membership subscription to BAPO.
Nominations will be open between Monday 6 March 2023 to Friday 26 May
2023.

Closing date for nominations are Friday 26th May 2023

14th October 2022 by BAPO

BAPO’s Mentoring Programme

The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO) is delighted to launch its mentoring scheme which is an exclusive, fully funded service offered to our members.

Members can use this service at any career stage to gain personalised guidance on a range of topics. Like all allied health profession (AHP) roles, prosthetists and orthotists, and our support workforce, face challenges. We believe anyone from the very start of their career to experienced staff can benefit from the support and guidance a suitable mentor can provide.

The BAPO team believes mentoring provides:

Valuable experiences to the mentees, who are able to call on the experience and knowledge of other members of the prosthetic and orthotic (P&O) profession, and colleagues external to P&O, to help their career development.
Valuable leadership and management skills to mentors, from accessing our mentor training resources, to gaining experience in helping others progress in their career.

Mentoring relationships facilitate personal and professional development through support, challenge and review. Mentoring is about encouraging mentees to take responsibility for their own progression and challenging them to find their own answers.

If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, follow these steps to sign up:

Register by clicking on this link or the button below. Once registered you can access our introductory videos and guidance to help you get the most out of the mentoring relationship.
Decide the areas you would like to work on in a mentoring relationship – the support you are looking for as a mentee, or the areas where you would be willing to support others as a mentor.
Then when you are ready, click the link and create your mentee or mentor profile. You can go back and edit it anytime you like and there are tools in the system to help mentees refine their goals.

What happens next?

The dedicated profile matching system will help mentees identify potential matches, based on their profile and what they would like to work on.
If you have found someone who looks like a good match, introduce yourself and have an initial conversation You’ll both be able to decide whether you want to work together before you commit. Don’t worry if you don’t find a match right away – there are new mentors and mentees signing up all the time.
Once you have a match and have agreed to work together, the platform will help you keep moving forward with prompts and advice.
At the end of your mentoring relationship, it will help you look at what you’ve achieved together – and decide what you would like to do next.

We’d love to hear from you once you’ve signed up as we’re keen to understand how the prosthetics and orthotics profession will benefit from this BAPO-member exclusive opportunity.

For more information contact: Enquiries@bapo.com

Click Here to Register

24th June 2022 by BAPO

BAPO’s succession planning

Peter Iliff, Chair: “Succession planning is essential for any organisation and as such is something that has been at the forefront of my thoughts as I move into the second year of my tenure as Chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO).

“I am delighted to share the news Dr Nicky Eddison will become BAPO’s new vice chair/chair elect with immediate effect. This appointment was fully supported by our Executive Committee.

“I am delighted that Nicky has been appointed to this new role. I will aim to continue for a further two years as Chair and during this period will support Nicky to allow for a smooth transfer and handover in 2024. During that period, I look forward to focussing on the delivery of our new strategic plan and the objectives included within it, so that Nicky will be able to lead and own the process of developing the associations next strategic plan.”

Dr Nicky Eddison, Vice Chair/Chair Elect: “I am delighted to take the position of vice chair/chair elect. It is an honour and a privilege to be able to lead the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO).

“I am grateful to BAPO for the opportunity and to Peter and my colleagues on the Executive Committee for their support. I look forward to working closely with Peter over the next two years to ensure I am fully equipped to continue taking the Association forward.”

Nicky has worked as the orthotics service manager at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust for 15 years. Starting her career with the Trust as a junior orthotist and progressing to become the first Consultant Orthotist in the NHS in 2021. Nicky is also an Associate Professor at Staffordshire University with a portfolio of peer reviewed publications and has presented her research at conferences across the world. Nicky is currently the AHP Lead Researcher at her Trust. Nicky has extensive experience of working with BAPO having previously chaired the Education Committee and Professional Affairs Committee. She is also a member of the Research Committee and the Operations Committee as well as serving as a member of the Executive committee on two separate occasions.

For more information about BAPO or to express an interest in being part of a committee please email enquiries@bapo.com.

Dr Nicky Eddison

Vice Chair / Chair Elect

2nd March 2022 by BAPO

Teatime Talks – Functional Neurological Disorder in Paediatrics

Functional movement disorders can be defined as “Symptoms with no organic cause, or that are out of proportion to underlying illness” (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2012). The diagnosis includes conditions with no medical explanation AND conditions where there is some underlying pathology but an exaggerated response. Often such patients get passed from service to service seeking solutions, and often report having unhelpful experiences with healthcare professionals.

Holistic treatment approaches, including physical and psychological aspects can be incredibly helpful for children and young people with functional movement disorders, however regionally and nationally accessing treatment can be challenging. Maggie has experience in managing children and young people with functional movement disorders within her inpatient service. Vic works within an outpatient service treating a range of children and young people with persistent physical symptoms, including those with functional movement disorders, and is involved in work to develop services across the North East region

They will share the background to their work and the impact it may have on those professionals who see these patients.

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

HCPC – Return to Practice Guidance
NHS England – Return to Practice Support
NHS Scotland – Return to Practice
Health Education and Improvement Wales- Return to Practice
Northern Ireland: Currently, there is no formal return to practice programme in place.

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.

Short Courses & Webinars

Professional Development Opportunities: Short Courses & Webinars

At the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO), our commitment to lifelong learning is central to our mission. As the recognised professional body for prosthetists and orthotists in the UK, we understand the critical role that accessible, high-quality education plays in maintaining clinical standards, advancing practice, and enabling career development.

Our educational programmes are designed to empower practitioners—whether newly qualified or highly experienced—with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to meet the dynamic needs of modern prosthetic and orthotic care. BAPO supports professionals throughout their career journeys, ensuring that learning opportunities are relevant, practical, and impactful.

Webinars

Our wide-ranging webinar series offers engaging content delivered by leading experts in the field. Topics include emerging technologies, clinical best practices, patient case studies, healthcare policy updates, and interdisciplinary approaches. These flexible online sessions provide members with the opportunity to stay abreast of current developments—all from the convenience of their home or workplace.

Structured Short Courses

In addition to webinars, BAPO delivers structured short courses aimed at deepening specialist knowledge and promoting professional excellence. These courses are grounded in real-world practice and aligned with evolving clinical demands, offering hands-on learning and peer collaboration. Participants benefit from interactive formats that encourage dialogue, critical thinking, and practical application.

Member-Led and Accessible

Our educational initiatives are shaped by the profession itself. We actively seek member feedback and encourage topic suggestions, ensuring that our content remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of prosthetists and orthotists. Furthermore, BAPO is proud to offer many of our webinars and learning resources at no cost or reduced rates to members, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

Through ongoing investment in education, BAPO is not only supporting the growth and development of individual practitioners but also contributing to the advancement of the profession as a whole.

Annoucement

📢 We’re pleased to announce that we are piloting a new, streamlined approach to funding orthotic education!

This pilot will apply to the Improving Provision of Therapeutic Footwear, Conservative Management of Spinal Fractures, and BAPO Bitesize Courses. As part of this initiative, UK orthotists, orthotics technicians, and orthotic support workers will no longer need to pay upfront for these selected courses where they are approved by the Orthotic Education Training Trust (OETT).

Instead, BAPO and OETT will work together directly to arrange funding, helping to reduce the financial burden on the orthotic workforce.

Dr Nicky Eddison, BAPO Chair,

“This pilot marks an important step toward making professional development more accessible. By removing upfront costs, we are enabling more of our workforce to engage in high-quality education without financial barriers.”

Kay Purnell, OETT Chair,

“We are delighted to collaborate with BAPO on this pilot. It allows us to test a more streamlined and supportive funding process, helping more clinicians and support staff access essential training.”

🤝 This pilot reflects our shared commitment to supporting the orthotic community and investing in its future. The next step is to ensure that training and education are protected in service contracts, enabling our workforce to thrive.

🔗 To learn more about OETT, visit: https://www.oett.org.uk/

How OETT pre-funding works

Apply for funding via the OETT website, specifying this BAPO short course.
The OETT Administrator reviews your application.
If approved, OETT notifies BAPO.
BAPO enrols you onto the course and sends your joining information.
Travel and accommodation requests must be included in your OETT application and, if approved, are reimbursed after attendance in line with OETT Terms & Conditions.

Please note: The pre-funding pilot covers the course fee only. Travel and accommodation continue to be managed through the standard OETT reimbursement process.

Not a BAPO member?

Eligible practising Orthotists and Orthotic Support Workers working in the UK can still benefit from OETT funding. OETT will fund up to the BAPO member course fee, and BAPO will invoice non-members for the remaining balance.

We look forward to welcoming you to this course and supporting your continued professional development in spinal fracture management.

Improving Provision of Therapeutic Footwear – AVAILABLE NOW!!

Course aim:

The course aims to improve the skills of the Orthotist when providing therapeutic footwear to their patients.

Course description:

Day 1 is presented virtually and covers footwear assessment procedures, what to consider, analysis of the situation and how to use this information to choose the most appropriate type of footwear. The different types of footwear will be discussed, stock, modular, and bespoke footwear (its uses, allowances, benefits and limitations). The mechanics of feet and how they affect footwear and how footwear affects feet is included, with lots of detail about designing bespoke footwear and how each part of it should be specified and designed by the orthotist to achieve the best outcome for the patient.

Days 2 and 3 are face to face and includes practical sessions aiming to improve assessment, measuring skills, casting, fitting, supplying and reviewing skills.
Potential problems at fitting and review and how to resolve them will be discussed and suggestions on how to improve practice will be suggested. 
Attendees should be prepared to share a short case study on day 1. This can be either a success or a problem that they experience in their footwear provision. A brief description is all that is needed but photos would help.
Attendees should bring an example of a footwear draft to day 2.

Delegates will need to attend all 3 days of this Short Course.

Intended Participants:
☒ Orthotists
☒ Other: Learners

We encourage practising Orthotists who must be working in the UK, to apply for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic Education and Training Trust).
Course fee funding for non-BAPO members would be at the BAPO member rate for practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must be working in the UK only.
Applications can be made via the online applications link on the OETT website: www.oett.org.uk
Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.

Member Tickets

Non-member Tickets

Conservative Management of Spinal Fractures – AVAILABLE NOW!!

Course description:

Conservative Management of Spinal Fractures : The Role of Orthotics and the Multidisciplinary Team– A one day course

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the orthotic management of spinal fractures. There is some focus on collaborative care involving all AHP’s working with patients who have sustained vertebral fractures, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Will give suggestions and tips to change/improve pathways at local Trusts, and to upgrade spinal referrals. The spinal referral examples sent out by BAPO will be used, to enhance the outcome and treatment of the spinal injury patient group.

Course aim:
Insight into assessment, decision-making and application of spinal orthoses. Strategies to support patient compliance and optimise outcomes through interdisciplinary communication. The overall goal is to give the participants more confident and knowledge on how to manage patients with spinal fractures.

Learning Outcomes:
Understand Biomechanics of different spinal fractures and spinal orthoses.
Identify what makes a fracture stable or unstable.
Identify indication of spinal bracing (and when NOT to brace a spinal fracture) backed by the evidence that is out there
Communicate and collaborate more effectively with the wider AHP team in the management of spinal fractures
Understand better what the different terminology means and classification of fractures.
Apply patient-centred approach to improve compliance and comfort with orthotic treatment
Appreciate the role of orthotic intervention in the conservative management of spinal fractures.

Intended Participants:
☒ Orthotists
☒ Orthotic support workers
☒ Other: OT’s, Physio’s, Dr’s, Consultants. Any AHP’s involved in the treatment of patients with spinal fractures.

Course timings: registration at 09:00, start 09:30, finish by 15:00

We encourage practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must be working in the UK, to apply for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic Education and Training Trust). This course has been approved for 100% funding by OETT for BAPO members, subject to the OETT Terms and Conditions. Funding includes the course fee, travel, and accommodation.
Course fee funding for non-BAPO members would be at the BAPO member rate for practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must be working in the UK only.
Applications can be made via the online applications link on the OETT website: www.oett.org.uk
Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.

Member Tickets

Non-member Tickets

Spine and Lower Limb Anatomy – AVAILABLE NOW!!

Course description:

Spine and Lower Limb Anatomy Course

Course aim:
The course represents an exciting opportunity for Orthotists and Prosthetists to gain a unique insight into the human body using cadaveric material and the latest in digital technology.

The morning session will focus on the spine, hip and thigh and the afternoon session will examine the knee, lower leg and foot. You will be able to refresh your anatomical knowledge by attending a lecture by a resident academic before visiting the laboratories, where anatomy demonstrators will be on hand to assist you in examining the cadavers. Here, you will be able to gain a thorough understanding of the complete anatomy and apply it to every day clinical practice.

Learning Outcomes:
This event aims to equip clinicians with the knowledge of the spine and lower limb anatomy required to effectively treat various pathologies in clinical practice. The course content will concentrate on joints, muscle attachments, nerves, and the circulatory system and will be delivered through lectures and prosections.

Syllabus
• Registration and introduction
• Anatomy of the spine, hip and thigh (Lecture)
• Prosections of the spine, hip and thigh (practical session)
• Lunch
• Anatomy of the knee, lower leg, ankle and foot (Lecture)
• Prosections of the knee, lower leg, ankle and foot (practical session)
• Evaluation and conclusion

Intended Participants:
☒ Orthotists
☒ Prosthetist
☒ Other: Learner

Course timings: registration at 09:00, start 09:30, finish by 16:00

We encourage practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must be working in the UK, to apply for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic Education and Training Trust). This course has been approved for 100% funding by OETT for BAPO members, subject to the OETT Terms and Conditions. Funding includes the course fee, travel, and accommodation.
Course fee funding for non-BAPO members would be at the BAPO member rate for practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must be working in the UK only.
Applications can be made via the online applications link on the OETT website: www.oett.org.uk
Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.

Member Tickets

Non-member Tickets

We’re planning a hands-on anatomy refresher course for clinicians and students in Prosthetics & Orthotics—and we want your input.

This course will bring together expert-led teaching, cadaveric prosections, and digital tools to revisit clinically relevant anatomy in a practical, applied way.

Help us shape the course by telling us which anatomical areas you’d find most valuable.

Complete the short survey and register your interest—spaces will be limited.

BAPO Anatomy Course 2027

Recording of the BAPO Management of Knee Osteoarthritis Online Course

Conservative Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: Evidence, Bracing Techniques, and Case Studies

Current Evidence and NICE Thresholds

Speaker: Dr. Jill Halstead-Rastrick

Description: Exercise and weight loss are the first-line treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Alongside this, knee braces offer people with knee pain an alternative treatment option, especially for those where first line treatments or knee surgery are not possible, but the evidence is limited.
Knee bracing was reviewed as part of the recent OA NICE guideline update and this will be discussed.

Auditing Knee Brace Provision

Speaker: Matthew Wood

Description: During the Covid-19 pandemic, when elective surgery was suspended on the NHS, the waiting list for total knee replacements got longer with fewer resources available to manage deteriorating patients. We designed an audit to propose appropriate patients are offered an orthotists’ assessment whilst they wait, and a protocol was agreed. This provided us with an opportunity to prove that the research supporting knee bracing could provide benefits to quality of life, improve outcomes, and reduce costs.
In this session, we wish to share the learning from this audit and provide a framework for those interested in addressing local barriers to provision.

Biomechanical Principles and Brace Selection for OA Bracing

Speaker: Giles Leeming

Description: Bracing for knee osteoarthritis relies on biomechanical principles to manage the osteoarthritis (OA) by redistributing the mechanical load across the knee joint. Understanding these principles is crucial for selecting and customising braces to cater to individual patient needs, ensuring effective pain management and functional improvement. Giles Leeming will go through these principles, and will also delve into the principles for accurate brace selection; and present case studies
Giles will also introduce Allan Henshall, a bi-lateral brace user and will also present problem-solving through various case studies.

Click here to access tickets for the recording!

Past Short Courses & Webinars

Past Courses and Webinars

3rd September 2021 by BAPO

Last Chance to Register #BAPO2021

Registration is closing on the 1st Oct! Register now so you don’t miss out.

Have a look below at some of our esteemed BAPO2021 speakers, or even better visit https://bapoconference2021.vfairs.com/ for the up-to-date event agenda!