The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics

Search Results for: work experience

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University of Warwick – Warwick Medical School – Warwick Clinical Trials – Research Post on an Insole study

This is an exciting and challenging role for an experienced researcher to support the delivery of 
a new multi-centre clinical trial funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). We 
wish to appoint a podiatrist, orthotist or physiotherapist or other related specialism with 
experience in musculoskeletal or foot and ankle research. You will join the Big Toe Inserts trial 
team in delivering a UK wide randomised controlled trial evaluating carbon fibre shoe stiffening 
inserts, compared to sham inserts, for people with osteoarthritis of the big toe joint – the first 
metatarsophalangeal joint. 

You will be responsible for assisting the Chief Investigators and the Big Toe trial team in 
delivering the trial. Supported by the trial team, core responsibilities will include 1) preparing trial 
intervention materials (practitioner and participant manuals); 2) engaging with trial sites, deliver 
Big Toe Insert Trial practitioner training, and facilitating trial implementation at each recruitment 
site; and 3) providing ongoing support to Big Toe Insert practitioners at each site to aid timely 
participant recruitment, trial delivery, follow-up, and successful trial completion. We seek 
someone with research experience to undertake qualitative interviews with participants and 
practitioners. A willingness and ability to travel to clinical and research sites is required. 


Warwick CTU has an extensive track record and portfolio of NIHR funding and has successfully 
delivered numerous multi-centre trials evaluating complex interventions in clinical populations, 
published in high impact journals. The Surgery, Pain and Rehabilitation research group is an 
active multi-disciplinary clinical academic team, conducting a number of trials and observational 
studies to advance clinical practice in musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary disease. The Big 
Toe trial is led by Chief Investigator Dr Michael Backhouse, supported by leading UK clinicians 
and academics in musculoskeletal research. 


The wider team includes clinical trials expertise, health psychology, statistics, health economics, 
qualitative researchers, a senior project manager, trial coordinator and administrators. This post 
is based mainly at Warwick CTU, a purpose designed premises at the University of Warwick’s 
Gibbet Hill campus, with offices also based at UHCW Clinical Sciences Building. Warwick CTU 
is an NIHR registered CTU with around 120 staff. You will also support the research group to 
develop and enhance its academic output and reputation.

Please note:

1.Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undergo 
enhanced level disclosure before commencing research with hospital sites. Clearance 
obtained via another institution or body cannot be transferred. 
2.The successful applicant will be required to undergo a Pre-Employment Medical Check 
before commencing work with the University. This will involve a medical history 
questionnaire, a Hepatitis B vaccination (if not already had) and may also require an 
appointment with a member of the University’s Occupational Health team. 
This post is intended for a physiotherapist, orthotist, or podiatrist or other related specialism
with a clinical or research background in musculoskeletal or foot and ankle rehabilitation, 
wishing to undertake research and pursue a clinical academic career. We are looking for an 
exceptional, highly motivated individual with expertise in musculoskeletal health research. 
Qualitative research and clinical trials experience is desirable but not essential. The post will be 
fully integrated within a successful and productive research group undertaking NIHR funded 
trials in surgery, pain and rehabilitation. 

More Information

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BAPO Short Course – MSK Foot & Ankle: Holistic Management & Treatment Strategies – Chesterfield 7-8 October 2024

Course description: 

This 2 day face-to-face short course offers participants an opportunity to learn about the orthotic management of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders of the foot and ankle in a group setting (maximum 18 participants). The experienced faculty of Orthotists will share their knowledge and skills in both theory and practical sessions.  
 
Prior to the commencement of the course, registrants will be asked to read four designated full text journal articles.  
During the course, participants will attend taught theoretical sessions mixed with active learning which will involve dividing into smaller groups to interpret x-rays and assess each other’s feet and ankles with feedback and guidance from the faculty team.  
 
The course offers participants an intimate, focused, and friendly learning environment away from the bustle of everyday clinical work to refresh their knowledge with best available evidence and equip them with the skills to enable them to build their confidence and MSK practice.  

 Aims: 
This event aims to equip Orthotists and other AHP’s regularly involved in treating adult MSK foot and ankle conditions with the assessment, diagnostic and image interpretation skills to enable them to differentially diagnose and holistically manage Musculoskeletal foot and ankle conditions. 

 Faculty: 
Simon Dickinson, Clinical Director & Consultant Orthotist, TalarMade Ltd 
Chris Cox, Teaching Fellow, National Centre for Prosthetics & Orthotics, University of Strathclyde 

Learning Outcomes: 
By the end of this event the participant will be able to: 

  • Describe normal Foot and Ankle function 
  • Describe a range of MSK Foot and Ankle pathologies 
  • Define the tests required for differential diagnosis of a range of Musculoskeletal Foot and Ankle pathologies 
  • Demonstrate competence in interpreting the outcomes of a range of diagnostic tests 
  • Utilise imaging as part of the MSK patient assessment 
  • Demonstrate the ability to differentially diagnose a range of Musculoskeletal Foot and Ankle conditions 
  • Perform a thorough biomechanical examination to determine the biomechanical deficit 
  • Establish an evidence-based holistic treatment plan to address the presenting issue 
  • Generate a detailed evidence-based orthotic prescription, management plan including anticipated outcome 

Intended Participants: 

  • Orthotists who have not previously attended the “Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Foot and Ankle Problems for Orthotists” course 
  • AHP’s regularly involved in treating adult MSK foot and ankle conditions  

and  

  • Orthotists who attended the “Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment of Musculoskeletal Foot and Ankle Problems for Orthotists” between 2015 – 2016 

 Please note this course is not available to Students. 

Venue: 
TalarMade Ltd, Edinburgh House, Millenium Way, Chesterfield, S41 8ND.  https://talarmade.com/ 
Parking – there is a large car park around the back left of the building. It is free for attendees to use.   
Please don’t park at the front of the building. 

Date & Time: 
Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 October 2024 
Registration 8:30-9:00am on day 1.
Start 9:00am, finish 5:00pm on both days.
2 day course ticket includes lunch and refreshments 

We encourage Orthotist attendees to apply for reimbursement from the Orthotic Education and Training Trust.  

Applications can be made on the OETT website at www.oett.org.uk 
Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD. 

To purchase tickets: please log on to your BAPOnline account and click the KAFO poster it will direct you to the ticketing area.

Not a member? Follow the link below and select “Non-Member Events Registration”, once registered it will allow you to purchase the ticket. If you have any issues, please contact enquires@bapo.com 

Purchase Tickets Here

2024/2025 projects funded by NHSE

BAPO is currently working on a large programme of work across the spectrum of prosthetics and orthotics.  All updates on the work will be added to this page throughout the next 12 months. BAPO will be working alongside the Creative Health Alliance.

The Creative Health Alliance are working on the following projects with BAPO:

Please click on the lines below to view the information related to the projects titled.

There are three inter-related strands to the work to promote careers in P&O:

  1. Revise the BAPO P&O Careers handbook to produce a contemporary and accessible resource.
  2. Produce and pilot career promotion content aimed at school leavers (when selecting GCSEs / A levels / Scottish Nationals and equivalent) and undergraduate learners (for the pre-reg masters).  Make final content available for future use by BAPO members to promote P+O careers at a local and regional level.
  3. Engage in career promotion activities to two specific career changer groups (people leaving the Armed Forces and Professional Sport).

Each strand will involve working together to co-create the resources from within the profession.  Please look out for opportunities to engage with this work e.g., contribute a story, help devise an activity to engage school leavers or review draft work of the handbook.

Are you a prosthetist, orthotist, P&O student or apprentice, P&O technician, or support worker with a background in professional sports?

Are you a prosthetist, orthotist, P&O student or apprentice, P&O technician, or support worker with a background in professional sports?

If you are, BAPO would like to hear from you. Please contact enquiries@bapo.com for more information and if you would be happy to share your story.

    Are you a prosthetist or orthotist who has previously worked in the Armed Forces?

    If you are, BAPO would like to hear from you. Please contact enquiries@bapo.com for more information and if you would be happy to share your story.

      Dr Stephanie Tempest presented at the BAPO Regional Conference – West Midlands on 06/09/2024

      Growing the P&O workforce towards a sustainable future. You can view this presentation below. 

      Growing-the-PO-Workforce-BAPO-Conf-presentation-FINALDownload

      This workstream focusses on expanding and developing the pre-registration learner support mechanisms and resources offered by BAPO. One aspect of the work is to strengthen the learner voice by developing a BAPO pre-registration learner ‘community of practice’, ‘network’ or ‘forum’. There’s work to be done to explore and agree the nature of such a group, how it will inform BAPO’s work, what it might look like in practice, before setting it up and piloting it. The other key area of work is to develop a BAPO website page dedicated to pre-registration learners. It will become a central location for accessing the information, materials and resources that it would be most valuable for the professional body to make available to them during their pre-registration journeys. We hope that the new Learner ‘forum’ will be able to help us determine the format and content of the new Learner Hub webpage.

      Help us plan the new BAPO learner webpage

      🤔 Are you on a learning pathway to become a prosthetist orthotist? 

      🤔 Do you support those learners as an educator or employer (of apprentices)?

      As part of the NHSE programme of work, we’d love your thoughts about how to shape a new learner-focused page on BAPO’s website as. 

      The plan is that it will be a ‘go to’ page to help pre-registration learners easily access BAPO resources of particular relevance to them. It will be open access for everyone, not just BAPO student members.

      💡 The focus will be on providing access to BAPO information and resources that add value to, rather than replicate, resources learners already access from their education provider, employer, or practice-based learning environments. Things that it’s appropriate for the professional body to provide to support their journey to joining the professional workforce.

      🌟 The important question is what would you like to see included on the page? 🌟

      Initial suggestions include providing easy access to:

      🤔 What else would you suggest we include?

      🤔 How can we make this new webpage as useful to pre-registration learners as possible? 

      Please let us know what you think! 🙏

      Email your suggestions to Jo Watson (jo@drjowatsonconsulting.com), who is leading the work to develop the new webpage on behalf of The Creative Health Alliance. 

      The aim of this workstream is to work towards embedding effective preceptorship as usual practice within the P&O profession, regardless of the employing organisation. Preceptorship is a period of structured and individualised support that can make a significant difference to new graduates navigating the transition from pre-registration learner to confident registered professional. It can:

      • support recruitment to individual organisations;
      • build graduates’ confidence enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills to greatest effect and fulfil their potential;
      • contribute to high quality care and service delivery, and
      • ease the stark early attrition figures noted in the profession (12.5% within the first four years of registration (HCPC, 2023))

      That makes it a worthy investment of time and effort. As part of this work, we will be exploring what guidance, tools and resources BAPO could develop to support employers, their staff and new graduates to engage actively with preceptorship.

      Check out the related BAPO (2024) Early Career Guidance Framework.

      BAPO is pleased to launch the Graduate Welcome Pack.

      This document has been reviewed by BAPO’s Professional Affairs Committee, the National Orthotics Managers’ Association Group, the Prosthetic Managers Group, the Scottish Orthotic Clinical Leads Group, The Creative Health Alliance, prosthetic and orthotic students, and Prosthetists/Orthotists from all four UK nations.

      This welcome pack has been designed to provide graduates with all the information they might need as they take their first steps into their new career.

      Graduate welcome pack final

      You can also watch the webinar – The value of embedding preceptorship for new P&O graduates here

      Developing the support worker role (as a distinct patient facing role to the established technician role) is an area of potential growth to maximise efficiency within the workforce. This workstream involves forming a Task and Finish Group with some of the existing P+O Support Workers to:

      1. Understand from Support Workers the opportunities and barriers for role development
      2. Develop additional multimedia resources to promote the role
      3. Design an open-access BAPO Support Worker webpage

      Please look out for ways to support this workstream including providing time for Support Workers to engage with it.

      This workstream involves collaborating with P&O stakeholders to instil a sense of accountability regarding the recruitment and retention of the workforce. The strategic emphasis will be on leveraging key development opportunities, building upon the foundation laid by the recently released BAPO resources and assets. This includes the integration of the BAPO curriculum guidance document, which will be updated to ensure it reflects the outputs of this workstream. Including but limited to

      • Developing top-tier quality learning environments. 
      • Innovating in PBL delivery, designing a PBL delivery model that offers growth potential,
      • Providing diverse learning experiences that encompass the four pillars of professional practice

      This workstream is about focussing on the pillar of education to build capability to support increased numbers of P&O learners, maximising opportunities for growth utilising available capacity.  This will be achieved by embedding best practice guidance alongside proposing an allocation tool that will ensure capacity to support increased numbers of learners.

      There will be online events to discuss key best practice guidance, for example we have a webinar in July, discussing and debating the recently published Educator Career Framework.

      This workstream seeks to address capacity and capability concerns for P&O by offering an alternative approach to increasing both PBL capacity and educator capability. This work will be completed in tandem with key BAPO stakeholders such as the Training and Education Network (TEN).

      We also want to create an Educator Network, and so if you are a Clinical Educator interested in this work, please do contact us – we would love to have you on our team.

      AHP Educator Career Framework Webinar Recording Available Now  

      If you missed the AHP Educator Career Framework Webinar on the 10th July 2024 – you can watch now on the BAPO YouTube channel.  

      There are opportunities for prosthetists and orthotists to get directly involved in the next stages of the AHP Educator Career Development Framework and to join the BAPO educator network

      Twitter: @beverleydurrant

      Webinar Recording

      Educator Network call out – video message from Dr Beverley Durrant

      We are seeking interested clinical educators to join our educator network, watch the video message from Dr Beverley Durrant to learn more.

        The Educator Workforce

        https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=OuPbbSAKqEy7pg5SeP2QNp4kZIkIwIhKgeRy-eSiYZtUQ0pIU1BLSzZUNExBVzZRTDJaRDZBUkdNVC4u&origin=QRCode

        BAPO NHSE funded Education Reform Commission and The Creative Health Alliance Project are setting up a working group. If you would like to get involved with this project by joining the educator network please complete the MS Form using the QR code (also linked) and we will be in touch.

          Ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the P&O PBL capacity is at the heart of this workstream. Assessing capacity will allow foundations to be built on a robust understanding of PBL capacity across the UK for both prosthetics and orthotics.

          A feasibility assessment will gather information to include, examining best practice guidance, exemplars of good practice, and success stories from other PBs, including work completed on AHP clinical hours assessment, and exemplar practice in SIM environments. Additionally, the views and opinions of the P&O workforce, education providers and, wider communities, including learners will be sought. This will be achieved, for example, by engagement with the training and education network, case studies collated from learners’ experiences from pre-registration P&O programmes.

          Look out for ways to get involved.

          BAPO is currently working on a large programme of work across the spectrum of prosthetics and orthotics.  All updates on the work will be added to this page throughout the next 12 months

          Inclusive practice in higher education for Disabled learners

          View Project

          Available Webinars to view

          West Midlands 2024

          Presenters name Presentation Title Authors
          Alice Dudley (with Daniel Hodgkin) Analysing AFO Stiffness Through Finite Element Modelling: Design Implications Nicky Eddison1,2, Panagiotis E. Chatzistergos2, Sara Behforootan2, Alice Dudley1, and Nachiappan Chockalingam2
          The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, 2Staffordshire University.
          Miriam Williams Are researchers adequately describing the design and materials of the AFOs they are studying? Nicky Eddison1,2, Miriam Williams1, Nachiappan Chockalingam2

          1 The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
          2 Staffordshire University
          Megan Milne Awareness of Orthotics in the General Public Miss Megan Milne
          Dr. Christine McMonagle
          Alice Dudley Can telehealth be effective in orthotic services? Alice Dudley, Dr Nicola Edison
          Alice Dudley  Challenges and Opportunities in AFO Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Analysis of Industry Practices, Quality Control, and Knowledge Transfer Alice Dudley, Danielle Whittaker, Nicola Eddison, Panagiotis Chatzistergos and Nachiappan Chockalingam
          Daniel Hodgkin Consistency in AFO specification and material thickness changes during the AFO manufacturing process Nicola Eddison (Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust), Daniel Hodgkin (George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust)
          Aoife Healy Development and validation of the Staffordshire Questionnaire for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (SQ-AIS) Enza Leone (1), Nachiappan Chockalingam (1), Robert Needham (1), Aoife Healy (1), Nicola Eddison (1,2), Nikola Jevtic (3), Vinay Jasani (4)

          (1) Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Science Centre, Staffordshire University, Leek Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DF, United Kingdom
          (2) Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP, United Kingdom
          (3) Scolio Centar, Novi Sad, 403916, Serbia
          (4) University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke on Trent, ST4 6QG, United Kingdom
          Cara Raeburn From student to orthotist – A personal reflection on joining the workforce at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) Cara Raeburn
          Jo Billin (with Samantha Jackson) Green Project Orthotics Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Sudi Nayyar- Orthotic Supervisor
          Samantha Jackson -Orthotic Clerk
          Ndanatsei Mupawaenda- Cancer Care Navigator
          Kate Pugh- BAPO Administration and Project Support Officer
          Kate Chauhan Innovating the provision of foot orthotics with the introduction of 3D printing Kate Chauhan (1,2), Jonathan Murfin (1), Paul Drake (1), Rob Hattersley (1), Alex Callaghan (1), Mark Smith (1,2), Barry Campbell (1).
          Kate Chauhan Introducing computer aided design and manufacture to orthotic scoliosis treatment Kate Chauhan, Alice Haynes
          Matthew Hill Off-the-Shelf Stability Therapeutic Footwear (OSSTF) for mobility-impaired children: An international Delphi consensus on prescription criteria and outcome measures Dr Matthew Hill*, Aoife Healy*, Nachiappan Chockalingam*

          *Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University
          Eileen Morrow Outcomes for children’s lower limb surgery: A qualitative study of allied health professional perspectives Eileen Morrow – University of Exeter
          Christopher Morris – University of Exeter
          Tim Theologis – University of Oxford
          Julia Frost – University of Exeter
          Richard Minifie (Senior Engineer and Medical Lead) Ricoh 3D x ORLAU | Manufacturing a Sustainable Future in P&O Main Contact: Josh Coffey, Communications Lead, Ricoh UK Products Ltd.
          Contact Number: 01952 290090 (Main Reception)
          Alexandra Ball Survey of Lower Limb Prosthetic Users to Investigate Their Contralateral Limb Health Alexandra Ball (Keele University)
          Alayad Ghada Sustainable Prosthetic Socket Design for Active Users in Hot Climates: Advanced Sweat Management and Thermal Regulation Alayad Ghada
          Christabelle Asoluka  The BAPO Sim project: Case studies simulation for learning about prosthetics and orthotics Sandra Sexton, Kate Pugh, Rebecca Greene, Christabelle Asoluka
          Salma Benyahia The Effect of Spinal Orthoses on Immobilizing the Cervical Spine Nicky Eddison, Salma Benyahia, Nachiappan Chockalingam
          Innocent Enyinnaya The Effectiveness of Footwear Adaptation on Functional Outcomes in People with First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Osteoarthritis Innocent Enyinnaya
          Cara Raeburn presenting on behalf of Helena Santos  The experience of a Portuguese Orthotist working for NHS in the UK Helena Cristina Almeida Santos
          Samantha Jackson The importance of good leadership and team work in job satisfaction Samantha Jackson and Sudi Nayyar

          The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
          Becky (Rebecca) Stevens Valgus/Varus strapping for Ankle Foot Orthoses  (AFOs) a case study Becky Stevens (Peacocks Medical Group)
          Eileen Morrow Who benefits from dynamic contracture bracing? A retrospective single centre case series Eileen Morrow
          University of Oxford
          Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
          Paul Charlton Why orthotists should take a lead role in gait re-education following stroke and how we should use our skills Paul Charlton Msc Orthotist, Peacocks Medical Group

          Congratulations to our poster abstract winner, Megan Milne who created the poster to raise awareness of orthotics in the general public.

          Megan Milne – Awareness of Orthotics in the General Public – Miss Megan Milne & Dr. Christine McMonagleDownload
          Presenter Name Presentation Title Presenter Bio Contact email
          Dr Stephanie Tempest Growing and supporting the P&O workforce towards a
          sustainable future          		 Dr Stephanie Tempest is an occupational therapist, with significant experience across practice, leadership, education, and research, a Chartered Fellow at the CIPD and one-third of The Creative Health Alliance team. She is presenting on behalf of the broader project team working on the PBERC 24/25 (Professional Bodies Education Reform Commission). Enquiries@bapo.com
          Bex Wilkinson Recycling Prosthetic Components: A Sustainable and Safe
          Approach to Enhancing Accessibility and Improving Lives          		 Bex has worked as a prosthetic technician since 2015 and initially worked in the NHS before joining Dorset Orthopaedic in 2021 where she is now Workshop Lead. Bex has been a trustee for the limb recycling charity ‘STAND’ since 2019. She also uses social media to promote careers in P&O, as well as give patients a behind the scenes look at how their prostheses are made BexW@Dorset-ortho.com  @prosthetictechbex on Instagram & TikTok
          Briony Davis and Tanja Scherrer Empowering Patient and Carer Self-management for Sustainable Orthotic Services Briony is Assistant Head of Podiatry and Orthotics and Clinical Lead Orthotist for Swansea Bay University Health Board. She studied P&O at the University of Salford; working in Eire prior to joining SBUHB in 2013.
          Briony delivers specialist clinics in Paediatric Orthotics, high-risk Diabetic foot, and a regional multi-disciplinary clinic for patients with Charcot Marie Tooth disease.
          Throughout her career, her passion has been delivering safe and effective care through co-production, with further development into Patient Activation.
          Briony deputises on the Welsh Allied Health Professionals Committee which advises Welsh Government on AHP developments and matters impacting AHP’s in Wales.          		 briony.davis@wales.nhs.uk
          Steve Hewitt Staying Ahead of the Curve: The Evolution and Future of Scoliosis Brace Treatment Since graduating in 2007 at Strathclyde University I have always had a real interest in scoliosis, and was fortunate to follow a career path that has allowed me to develop this passion. Progressing from Boston Bracing to the SpineCor Brace, to Gensingen brace and now fully specializing in scoliosis treatment using the CMP brace. And what a time to be so heavily involved, when previous concepts and theories are really being challenged and seeing the evolution of scoliosis treatment firsthand. s.hewitt@spinecorporation.com
          Eileen Morrow Research and Sustainability in Prosthetics and Orthotics Eileen Morrow is a clinical academic orthotist. She holds an NIHR Doctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship which she is undertaking at the University of Oxford, running the CELLOS Study. Her research interest is in paediatric orthopaedics.

          She is the chair of the BAPO Research Committee and a committee member of the Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) Oxfordshire hub.          		 Eileen.Morrow@ndorms.ox.ac.uk
          Aoife Healy Allied health professional (AHP) telehealth consultation guidance: what do the guidelines say and what do AHPs think about them? Aoife is a Lecturer of Sport & Exercise Biomechanics at Ulster University. Her area of research is clinical biomechanics, with a focus on diabetic footwear, mobility assistive technology, gait analysis and plantar pressure measurement. She also has an interest in policy development and telehealth. She has recently joined BAPO as an Education and Practice Development Consultant. a.healy@ulster.ac.uk 
          Ian Adam Designing and teaching apprenticeship qualifications in P&O Ian started his career in Orthotics from High School when he took up an apprenticeship as an Orthotic Technician with Greater Glasgow Health Board upon completing his training, he was offered a position at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow a position he still holds part-time. He has always had an interest in technician training and in 2015 he worked with the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) to design the UK’s first national qualification for Orthotic and Prosthetic Technicians. In 2020 Ian joined the University of Derby to design, author and teach on the new P&O apprenticeships. i.adam@derby.ac.uk
          Naveed Ahmed and Mark McAloon Keele University strategies to address workforce shortages and sustainability in Prosthetics & Orthotics 1. Naveed Ahmed: I graduated from the Pakistan Institute of Prosthetic and Orthotic Sciences (PIPOS) in Pakistan in 2008. I then completed my Master’s in Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Technology from the University of Dundee in 2014. After graduation, I worked for 6 years at PIPOS, teaching Prosthetics and Orthotics to undergraduate students, including a two-year secondment at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPM&R) at DOW University of Health Sciences in Karachi. In 2015, I moved to Saudi Arabia and worked as a lecturer of P&O for 6 years at Taibah University. Since September 2021, I have been working at Keele University as a lecturer of a newly developed HCPC-approved MSc in P&O.

          2. Mark McAloon: In 1992, I began my clinical career as an Orthotist, later specializing in neurological paediatric rehabilitation. I have 20 years of experience as a Senior Lecturer in Higher Education and have managed nine modules throughout my career. I also have experience in managing P&O programs, having served as a UG Programme Lead. Since Oct-2022 I am working as the Programme Director of an HCPC approved MSc in P&O at Keele University.          		 n.ahmed1@keele.ac.uk
          m.t.mcaloon@keele.ac.uk
          Richard Hirons and Giles Leeming, Ossur Sustainability and the role of a Medical Device Supplier

          Giles Leeming – Having trained in both Prosthetics/ Orthotics (BSc (Hons) and Podiatry (BSc (Hons), Giles worked as an Orthotist for Blatchford in Sheffield. He joined Össur in 2008 focusing on clinical support, as well as training and educational activities for the bracing and supports portfolio. Giles is now focused on neuro orthotics, specifically the FIOR & GENTZ portfolio which we are launching direct into the UK from September        

          Richard is a clinical specialist prosthetist with Ossur, and is both a founder employee of Ossur in the UK since 1995 and is also a founder member of BAPO. Richard’s current role is Director of the Ossur Academy in North and South Europe, responsible for internal and external education programmes                     

          gleeming@ossur.com

          rhirons@ossur.com
          Deborah Bent, Limbless Association The Power of Peer Support – Developing an effective and
          sustainable model (for the limb loss community)

          Debbie joined the Limbless Association in 2016.  Deborah has a Degree in Charity and Social Enterprise Management and has worked in the voluntary sector for over seventeen years.  During this time she has managed multi-stakeholder projects for infrastructure organisations, charities and social enterprises.  Her experience comprises strategic review and planning,

          change management, project design and development, monitoring, evaluation and impact measurement. Her pre-charity sector career was in business development and marketing.

           

          		 deborah@limbless-association.org
          Oral Presentation Award was presented to – Bracing for Change Presentation – Eileen Morrow_Download

          Invited Speakers

          Deborah Bent

          The Power of Peer Support – Developing an effective and sustainable model (for the limb loss community)

          Following an investment of over £500K in it’s Volunteer Visitor peer support programme since 2020, the Limbless Association will share it’s evidence-based approach, key outcomes measures and impact from the programme to date, for both service user and volunteers. Innovation will be key to its sustainability and the Volunteer Visitor programme is already in next stage planning and development.

            Dr Stephanie Tempest

            Growing and supporting the P&O workforce towards a sustainable future

            Dr Stephanie Tempest is an occupational therapist, with significant experience across practice, leadership, education, and research, a Chartered Fellow at the CIPD and one third of The Creative Health Alliance team. She is presenting on behalf of the broader project team working on the PBERC 24/25 (Professional Bodies Education Reform Commission).
              Growing-the-PO-Workforce-BAPO-Conf-presentation-FINALDownload

              Dr Jo Watson

              Growing the P&O workforce: Update on the PBERC work 24/25

              Dr Jo Watson’s 30+ year career has spanned practice, higher education and national leadership roles. Jo is now a freelance consultant and one third of the team at The Creative Health Alliance, where her work involves contributing to national, multi-professional workforce development.


                Pre-Preceptorship and Preceptorship workstream:

                Preceptorship is a period of structured support provided during key moments of career transitions. In the context of this project, the focus is on the transition between pre-registration learner and registered professional.
                The BAPO (2024) Early Career Guidance Framework for Prosthetics and Orthotics introduces the concept of preceptorship, how it can be both structured and personalized, the value it adds, and top tips for all involved. The focus of this workstream is on: (a) embedding pre-preceptorship within pre-registration P&O curricula, so that new graduates are ready for, and receptive to, employer’s preceptorship offers, and (b) developing guidance and other resources to support employers, line managers, preceptors and preceptees to embed inclusive engagement with preceptorship, regardless of the employment context. 

                Pre-registration Learner Support and Engagement workstream:

                Pre-registration learners is an equitable term that includes students enrolled on BSc(Hons) and pre-registration MSc programmes, and Level 6 apprentices. The aim of this workstream is to expand and develop the pre-registration learner support mechanisms and resources offered by BAPO.
                It focuses on two specific areas: 1. Developing a sustainable approach to providing pre-registration learners with an equitable opportunity to feed into and engage with BAPO via a learner network, forum, community of practice, or similar, and 2. Creating a Learner Hub page on the BAPO website to house those profession-specific resources provided by the professional body that are of most relevance to pre-registration learners

                Gemma Cassidy

                Inclusive practice in higher education for Disabled Students

                I qualified as an orthotist in 2004, in addition to gaining a diploma in Hypnotherapy and Advanced Psychotherapy in 2013. My interests lie within orthotics, the impact of AHP’s within the healthcare setting, health psychology, public health, EDI and health inequalities. I was appointed as the mental health and wellbeing lead for BAPO in 2020 and the EDI lead in 2022. I am passionate about ensuring that EDI is embedded into the P+O profession to improve the experience of P+O staff and patients and ensure everyone feels included and supported.

                  To understand current inclusive practice in higher education with regards Disabled students, define gaps and discuss barriers and enablers to inclusion. Considerations will include the higher education experience in addition to placement experience. Multi stakeholder input is vital including higher education staff, placement educators, apprentice employers and P+O students. To include your experience please email gemma.cassidy@bapo.com

                  Michael Guthrie

                  Scope of practice statements
                  Advanced practice network
                  Supervision
                  Enhanced practice

                  Michael Guthrie is a freelance policy consultant and experienced executive leader with a background in professional regulation. Michael previously held Executive Director roles at the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Australian Dental Council (ADC). He was also Policy Lead for Advancing Practice at Health Education England

                    Scope of practice statements

                    This project is about reviewing and updating standards, guidance and information published by BAPO, to address any perceived barriers to the development of advanced practice roles in prosthetics and orthotics. We will be making changes to publications and information which include BAPO’s Standards for Best Practice and the BAPO Ethical Code.

                    Advanced practice network

                    This project will establish a network for BAPO members who are in advanced or consultant practice roles or who are interested in or aspire to these levels of practice.

                    Supervision

                    We will develop guidance on supervision for prosthetists and orthotists. This will build on existing guidance published by the HCPC and others to make the case for good quality supervision to support the practice and development of prosthetists and orthotists.

                    Enhanced practice

                    Enhanced practice is a level of professional practice which is the precursor to advanced practice. This project will support growing understanding of enhanced practice in prosthetics and orthotics.

                    Dr Stephanie Tempest

                    Growing the P+O workforce

                    Dr Stephanie Tempest is an occupational therapist, with significant experience across practice, leadership, education, and research, a Chartered Fellow at the CIPD and one third of The Creative Health Alliance team. Central to the way Steph works is the belief that progress is made by uniting people around a common cause.

                      The Support Worker project explores the roles and opportunities to develop patient-facing support worker and technician roles.  Building on from the publication of the Support worker framework for the prosthetic and orthotic workforce, the end product includes a dedicated BAPO webpage for this vital segment of the profession, to aid workforce development.

                      The P&O Careers project involves segmented work to promote the profession with students, people leaving the Armed Forces and those starting life after Professional Sport.  It also involves updating the general P&O Careers Guide.  Multiple resources will be developed as outputs and will be accessible for use by members in their own career promotion activities.

                      Marion Billingham

                      To research, evaluate and provide a model which delivers a sustainable pipeline of apprentices

                      Marion Billingham was previously Snr HR Business Partner with Blatchford Ltd and is currently working with BAPO on the PBERC 24/25 to develop a sustainable pipeline of apprentices in P&O. 
                      As an Enterprise Advisor in South Yorkshire, she is passionate about promoting P&O as a career option for school and college leavers

                        Developing a sustainable pipeline of L6 apprentices in P&O

                        This project is reviewing the progress and uptake of the L6 Degree Apprenticeship launched in 2022.  This will allow us to determine how we can ensure that this route is seen as a viable and attractive alternative for employers and students to ensure the sector meets the targets required by the NHS long term workforce plan.

                        Dr Beverley Durrant

                        Growing the P&O workforce: Update on the PBERC work 24/25

                        Dr Beverley Durrant is a podiatrist, with significant experience across, clinical leadership, higher education academic practice, research and leadership, is a fellow at The Royal College of Podiatry and one third of The Creative Health Alliance team. Bev is the overall Alliance project lead for the BAPO Professional Bodies Education Reform Commission (PBERC)  

                          Creating the Climate to maintain the supply pipeline involves collaborating with P&O stakeholders to instill a sense of accountability regarding the recruitment and retention of the workforce. The strategic emphasis will be on leveraging key development opportunities, building upon the foundation laid by the recently released BAPO resources and assets.

                          The educator workstream is about focusing on the pillar of education to build capability to support increased numbers of P&O learners, maximising opportunities for growth utilising available capacity.  This will be achieved by embedding best practice guidance alongside proposing an allocation tool that will ensure capacity to support increased numbers of learners. 

                          Reviewing approaches to practice-based learning by building and effectively using capacity to support practice-based learning will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Assessing capacity will allow foundations to be built on a robust understanding of PBL capacity across the UK for both prosthetics and orthotics, for the first time. 

                           

                          Kay Purnell

                          A former Business Manager in the P&O industry with experience of stakeholder engagement, business planning and project management. 
                          As an OETT trustee for over a decade, and current Chair, my interest in training & education for the P&O profession has continued even after leaving operational roles within the industry.

                          Kay Purnell – Freelance Consultant – KMP Consulting | LinkedIn

                            Project objectives:

                            Review whether training, education & development for P&O clinicians is impacted by the commissioning of P&O services in England.

                            Establish a connection with a wide range of stakeholders who can influence the opportunity for & delivery of training, education and development for P&O clinicians in the future by either contributing to defining a new model service specification or supporting clinicians opportunity for training, education & development. 

                            Steve Hewitt

                            Staying Ahead of the Curve: The Evolution and Future of Scoliosis Brace Treatment

                            Since graduating in 2007 at Strathclyde University I have always had a real interest in scoliosis, and was fortunate to follow a career path that has allowed me to develop this passion. Progressing from Boston Bracing to the SpineCor Brace, to Gensingen brace and now fully specializing in scoliosis treatment using the CMP brace. And what a time to be so heavily involved, when previous concepts and theories are really being challenged and seeing the evolution of scoliosis treatment firsthand.
                              BAPO – Staying Ahead of the Curve (Watermarked version).pdf_compressed_compressed (1)Download

                              Exhibitors

                              We are pleased that the below companies will be exhibiting with us at our Midlands conference at Drayton Manor. Why not visit the exhibition space and discover everything available to P&O.

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                              Advancing Healthcare Award Winner 2024

                              BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF PROSTHETISTS AND ORTHOTISTS AWARD

                              FOR INSPIRATIONAL INNOVATORS IN PROSTHETICS AND ORTHOTICS AND OVERALL WINNER

                              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 fo 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!”

                              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

                              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.

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                                    Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship for Prosthetists & Orthotists

                                    Registrations are now open for the September 2024 intake of our Level 6 apprenticeship.  This is a 3-year course leading to a BSc (Hons) Prosthetic and Orthotic Degree/ Degree Apprenticeship and eligibility to register with HCPC.

                                    Prosthetists/ Orthotists are registered healthcare professionals who use evidence-based practice to provide clinical assessment, prescription, technical design, and fabrication of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.

                                    The programme has been developed to reflect key policies shaping the Prosthetic and Orthotic profession, the NHS, Health and Social Care sectors today with the skills and attributes needed within the workforce to deliver care with compassion and skill to ensure the best outcomes for patients and service users. The programme has been developed through close consultation and collaboration with NHS England (formerly Health Education England), Skills for Health, members of the Prosthetic/Orthotic industry, both private companies and the NHS and Prosthetic and Orthotic service users. 

                                    This programme is mapped directly to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) standards and the Health Care Professional Council (HCPC) Standards of Proficiency:

                                    • Candidates completing the Level 6 qualification, BSc (Hons) Prosthetics/Orthotics Degree/ Degree Apprenticeship, will become eligible to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Prosthetist/Orthotist.
                                    • Gain essential practical experience within both fields of Prosthetics and Orthotics
                                    • Benefit from some of the best university facilities of their kind, including clinical skills suites and our state-of-the-art immersive suites.
                                    • Learn from a highly experienced and enthusiastic teaching team that provides full support to help you achieve your ambitions.

                                    The course is mapped to the HCPC Standards of Proficiency, as well as the IFATE standards, which makes students eligible to apply for HCPC registration on completion of the course.

                                    The entry requirements for the course are:

                                    • 120 UCAS tariff points which can be achieved through relevant level 3 qualifications including Access to Higher Education (60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6), A-Levels, T Levels or BTEC (distinction, distinction, merit)
                                    • Or Level 3 qualification in a Health and Social Care related course
                                    • Level 2 English qualification (GCSE Grade 4-9, GCSE Grade A-C, Level 2 Functional Skills English, Key Skills Level 2 Communication or equivalent)
                                    • Level 2 Maths qualification (GCSE Grade 4-9, GCSE Grade A-C, Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, Key Skills Level 2 Application of Number (Numeracy) or equivalent)
                                    • Health or care experience to demonstrate an insight into the professional values and behaviours associated with health and care environments.
                                    • Employers are responsible for ensuring apprentices meet occupational health requirements and have passed appropriate vetting procedures, which may include a Disclosure and Barring Service Check and Right to Work check. This is evidenced through the submission of supplementary evidence as part of the selection process.
                                    • Apprentices will have been identified by the organisation as being able to succeed on the programme, and employers may set additional entry requirements as part of the selection process prior to assessment for entry by the University.
                                    • Applicants must complete an occupational health assessment and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the selection process and any offer made will be subject to these.
                                    • The apprentice must be employed in a Prosthetic or Orthotic Department and must have the support of their manager that they will be able to complete the apprenticeship. Apprentices can be either new or existing employees.

                                    For those in England, course fees for this qualification are covered by the apprenticeship levy if your company does not pay the levy then you are only required to pay 5% of the course fee or it can be gifted to you by an organisation that you work with such as the NHS.  For those in the UK, except England, there is a non-apprenticeship route, course fees would be payable by the employer directly to the university.

                                    More information about the course costs and levy funding can be supplied by the university business team (b.cope@derby.ac.uk).

                                    Applications will close on             26/06/2024.

                                    Online induction                           11/09/2024 (TBC)

                                    Course starts                                 23/09/2024.

                                    Clinical Skills Week on campus    TBC

                                    For more information on the course or to register a candidate please contact the course leader

                                    Jane Ansell

                                    Senior Lecturer in Prosthetics and Orthotics, Programme Lead, University of Derby

                                    j.ansell@derby.ac.uk

                                    07769671888

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                                    Action on Dementia Webinars

                                    Alzheimer Scotland would like to share the exciting programme of speakers and topics is listed below and extend a warm welcome to all researchers at any stages of their career from a wide variety of disciplines who may be interested in attending.

                                      

                                    Participants need to be registered to receive the joining webinar link.

                                    Speakers and Topics:

                                     

                                    May 3rd 1-2pm  –  David Kloss – New lecturers/starting out

                                    June 7th 1-2pm  –  Rosalie Ashworth – PPI and working with people with lived experience.

                                     

                                    💡WEBINAR SERIES – Unlock the secrets to successful grant applications with @DrTerryQuinn & Sophie Roberts (@alzheimerssoc). Gain insights into the process of writing & winning #BrainHealth grants!

                                     

                                    💡WEBINAR SERIES – Join @DavidKoss13 for valuable advice on starting your journey as a new lecturer in the #BrainHealth field, including essential tips & strategies for a successful academic career!

                                     

                                    📅 May 3rd 2024

                                    ⏰ 13:00-14:00 GMT

                                    Register here ➡️ https://forms.office.com/e/23qTHgS31r

                                     

                                    💡WEBINAR SERIES –Dive into the world of Patient & Public Involvement with @DrRAshworth and learn how to collaborate effectively with people with lived experience.

                                     

                                    📅 Jun 7th 2024

                                    ⏰ 13:00-14:00 GMT

                                    Register here ➡️ https://forms.office.com/e/7SUE3aaEiN

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                                    Introducing Pam Coulton, BAPO Vice Chair

                                    We are pleased to announce that Pam Coulton is the new Vice Chair of BAPO.

                                    “I see it as an honour, a privilege, and something of a duty to play my part in BAPO, and never more so than if my role is as part of the executive committee. Having served on the EC previously, whilst also being chair of the Editorial Committee (Deja vu perhaps), I think it is important that we give something back when we have the time, the experience, and the dedication. Now is the time for me. I welcome the challenge, at what is an interesting time for all Allied Health Professionals.”

                                    Pam graduated from the University of Salford in 2007, and since this time has held positions in the field of Orthotics, including time as Principal Orthotist within the NHS, Clinical Lead for one of the largest private providers in the NHS, and since 2011, has owned and practiced within a multi-site private orthotic clinic, as well as being the owner of the largest P&O locum agency serving England and Wales. Pam’s clinical specialism lies in the field of complex paediatrics, foot and ankle, and neuro. Pam is trained and experienced in all aspects of medicolegal and case management work. Pam is based in Lincoln but works all over the country in her own clinics, and as a locum into the NHS.

                                    Pam has previously been a member of the BAPO Executive Committee, having served as Chair of the Editorial Committee, a position which she now holds again, and as Secretary

                                    Pam’s work in all sectors of the profession, makes her well-placed to recognise interesting, informative, and pertinent material to share with the membership. Pam welcomes contributions for BAPO Connect from across the industry but particularly wishes to share contributions from students, technicians, and colleagues working in every P&O setting.

                                    Congratulations to Pam for taking this vital role within the organisation.

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                                    Are you a healthcare professional with a passion for improving patient care?

                                    Do you want to improve patient outcomes by leading groundbreaking research studies?
                                    Could you be a research delivery leader?

                                    Virtual event – Wednesday 20 March 2024 (12.30pm to 2.00pm)  

                                    Registration is now open via the link:                                     https://cvent.me/5WXreK

                                    Learn more about our Master’s level clinical research delivery leadership qualifications at this event:

                                    • Suitable for all healthcare professionals who have no or limited research experience and those currently working in research delivery
                                    • All courses are designed for part time learning to fit around busy schedules
                                    • All courses consist of theory-based online learning modules and a research practice experience module. The ‘research practice’ module helps learners to develop their skills and expertise by working on research projects alongside experienced mentors

                                    A number of DHSC funded bursaries for course fees will be available. Further details will be provided at the event.

                                    Further information, together with the event registration form can be found on the event home page using the link: https://cvent.me/5WXreK

                                    You can also register for updates, such as course application deadlines by completing this form.

                                    A PDF poster is attached which you may want to print and display to increase awareness of this event.

                                    Standing for Election

                                    The following candidates wish to stand for election/re-election to the Executive Committee

                                    Eileen Morrow

                                    1. Professional background and specific areas of interest

                                    Eileen Morrow is a clinical academic orthotist with a BSc(Hons) in Prosthetics and Orthotics from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. She worked as a clinical orthotist for 7 years across a broad spectrum of specialisms, including paediatric orthopaedics, instrumented gait analysis, neurological rehabilitation, rheumatology, diabetes, and complex polytrauma.

                                    She holds an NIHR/HEE Doctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship. In her doctoral research, she is developing a core outcome set for children’s elective lower limb orthopaedic surgery (CELLOS study). She is also investigating the efficacy of surgery for children with idiopathic toe walking in a pilot study (FOREFOOT study) and leading a project to develop and validate a sham insole for children. Eileen was previously awarded an NIHR/HEE Pre-doctoral Clinical Academic Fellowship. She completed an MSc in Health Research Methods at the University of Exeter, receiving a prize for the highest overall score on this course.

                                    She is the Chair of the Research Committee for the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO). She is the prosthetics and orthotics representative on the committee of the Oxfordshire hub of the Council for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR).

                                    Eileen is an invited lecturer for prosthetics and orthotics students on research and clinical governance at the University of Salford. She regularly peer reviews for academic journals, including Prosthetics and Orthotics International and Gait and Posture.

                                    2. Skills and experience to bring to BAPO’s governance and the effective development of the profession

                                    As Chair of the BAPO Research Committee and a dedicated NIHR/HEE Doctoral Clinical Academic Fellow, Eileen is positioned to advocate for the representation of researchers within the P&O community.

                                    By occupying a pivotal position on the Research Committee and the EC, Eileen will strengthen the bridge between the research community and BAPO’s overarching governance, ensuring that research-driven insights play a prominent role in shaping the strategic direction and policies of the association.

                                    3. Reason the candidate wishes to be elected

                                    Eileen Morrow seeks election to the Executive Committee (EC) with a clear aspiration to contribute her expertise and perspective as a researcher in the prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) field. Her decision to stand for election reflects a commitment to furthering the profession’s interests and shaping the strategic direction of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (BAPO).

                                    By joining the EC, Eileen aims to bridge the gap between the research community and the broader governance structure, ensuring that the unique insights, challenges, and opportunities faced by researchers in P&O are effectively communicated and addressed.

                                      Pam Coulton

                                      1. Professional background and specific areas of interest

                                      Pam graduated in 2007, and since this time has held positions in the field of Orthotics, including time as Principal Orthotist within the NHS, Clinical Lead for one of the largest private provides into the NHS, and since 2011, has owned and practiced within a multi-site private orthotic clinic, as well as being the owner of the largest locum agency serving England and Wales. Pam’s clinical specialism lies in the field of complex paediatrics, foot and ankle, and neuro. Pam is trained and experienced with all aspects of medicolegal and case management work.

                                      2. Skills and experience to bring to BAPO’s governance and the effective development of the profession

                                      Pam has previously been a member of the BAPO EC, having served as Secretary and Chair of the Editorial Committee, a position which she now holds again. Pam’s work in all sectors of the profession, make her well placed to play a significant role in the governance of BAPO, and also ensures that she can represent the membership across all areas of service delivery, including those groups frequently marginalised.

                                      3. Reason the candidate wishes to be elected

                                      Pam feels that the time is right for her to play a part once more in the vital work that BAPO performs for its members. Since her last period of time on the EC, she now has vastly more experience in many more areas of clinical practice, and of service delivery.

                                        Nick Gallogly

                                        1. Professional background and specific areas of interest

                                        Nick is one of only two Consultant Orthotists in the UK, having reached this career summit with incredible rapidity and focus.

                                        He is Clinical Lead at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s and has been appointed Consultant Orthotist. Nick specialises in biomechanics, gait analysis and the management of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular lower limb conditions. Nick consults for several professional sports teams and has a research interest in the management tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction in primary care. He also has a keen interest in sports injury prevention, lower limb orthotic management and the conservative orthotic management of neurological conditions.

                                        2. Skills and experience to bring to BAPO’s governance and the effective development of the profession

                                        Nick is an incredibly astute individual with an in-depth and wide ranging whole world view of the needs of our profession, and how to help it create the environment for growth and empowerment.

                                        Nick is passionate about the profession, has an unrelenting hunger to overcome the challenges the profession faces, and to see it flourish and grow. During his tenure at Reading he has grown the service from 1 WTE to 5 WTE and now runs a very efficient and reputable NHS service. This requires a strong understanding of governance and effective promotion and development of the profession. He is current Chair of the NOMAG Group supporting education, policy and change management and is also a member of British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society.

                                        3. Reason the candidate wishes to be elected

                                        Nick wishes to provide his skillset to the profession to aid in its growth, adaptability to changing clinical environments and unavoidable changes to the educational system in the near and more far-flung future.

                                        They wish to have a seat at the table and be in a position to offer value at the highest levels of influence by offering up his experience, knowledge and passion for the professions.

                                          Dave Gamble

                                          1. Professional background and specific areas of interest

                                          Dave studied Prosthetics and Orthotics at The University of Strathclyde, graduating in 2005, before moving to Cardiff to work for Dacey Ltd as an Orthotist for 3 years. Dave then moved to Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (South East Wales) in 2008, to establish an in-house Orthotics clinical service, and has worked for ABUHB for the past 15 years. Dave is also interested in supporting Prosthetics and Orthotics in the developing world, with a trip to Cambodia as a 3rd-year student and visits to Uganda in 2013 and 2014 with the Uganda Polio Project. 

                                          2. Skills and experience to bring to BAPO’s governance and the effective development of the profession

                                          Dave has worked as an Orthotist for 18 years, and has experience of working as a contractor and directly for the NHS. In his current role, Dave is responsible for strategic planning, clinical governance and financial management of the Podiatry and Orthotics service. Dave gained an MSc in Health Care Management from Swansea University in 2022: which included modules in leadership, health economics, and quality improvement. Dave is enthusiastic about Prosthetics and Orthotics and is keen to see the profession grow and develop in order to meet the needs of the population.

                                          3. Reason the candidate wishes to be elected

                                          Increasing demand and scarcity of resources is resulting in significant challenges for healthcare systems and health care workers: including Prosthetists, Orthotists, Technicians and Support Workers. Dave has been a long term member of BAPO and believes having a strong professional body is vital in facing these challenges, especially for a small profession. Dave has been encouraged by the work that BAPO has been doing in recent years, and wishes to be elected to become more involved in the life and activity of our professional body. Advocating for members and promoting the profession in Wales and across the United Kingdom.  

                                            Florence Goodwin

                                            1. Professional background and specific areas of interest

                                            Florence has five years of orthotics clinical experience and is concluding a two-year MSc in Physiotherapy. She has been chair of the Professional Affairs Committee since March 2023.

                                            2. Skills and experience to bring to BAPO’s governance and the effective development of the profession

                                            The proposer has worked with Florence on the professional affairs committee for over a year and can see that she has both enthusiasm and skills that will be an asset to the executive committee. During her time as a co-opted member, she has put together plans for training students in leadership skills by creating hybrid placement opportunities. She has put herself forward to lead on a ‘susset’ sustainability knowledge-sharing forum for prosthetics and orthotics and has shown a commitment to hearing and understanding the views of other prosthetists and orthotists regarding what they would like BAPO to provide for them in the future.

                                            3. Reason the candidate wishes to be elected

                                            I would like to be elected to the executive committee because would it allow me to provide a link between the Professional Affairs and Executive committees on key matters. Examples include our work around helping people stay part of our workforce, sustainability, and representation of prosthetics and orthotics students within the wider schools of allied health in their respective institutions, all of which benefit from collaboration with other committees and experts represented in the executive committee. I would also appreciate the opportunity to continue my project around integrating leadership roles into student placement opportunities and am best placed to do this as a member of the executive committee due to the leadership nature of the role. Finally, I would value the opportunity to develop and enhance my own skills, the foundation for which has been paid by my chair position within the Professional Affairs committee.

                                              Katie Prosser

                                              1. Professional background and specific areas of interest

                                              Katie graduated from Salford University in 2014. In her early career, she worked for Trulife running clinics in and around London. She was quickly given responsibility for organising rotas and clinic cover. She later took a role in the NHS as a senior orthotist and later as clinical lead orthotist in West-Yorkshire. Here she transformed a locum-run service through a number of service improvements, pathway redesigns, and commissioning re-negotiations. Katie’s area of interest is in service redesign and governance. Since taking a job closer to home, she has worked in senior levels of NHS clinical governance and operational management.

                                              2. Skills and experience to bring to BAPO’s governance and the effective development of the profession

                                              Katie completed an MSc in Healthcare Management in 2019 and published her thesis outlining the poor state of job satisfaction for orthotists in England and Wales. Her interest in retention and attrition of P&O staff makes her well-suited to informing national policy decisions. Katie has a good understanding of NHS management structures and can contribute well on how to influence regulatory and commissioning bodies.

                                              3. Reason the candidate wishes to be elected

                                              Katie wishes to boost the profile of the profession within the NHS and improve working conditions for the industry. She is excited about the change incoming within the healthcare landscape and is keen to support BAPO through this.