Professional Development Opportunities: Short Courses & Webinars
At the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ), 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. ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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, ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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, ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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, ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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 ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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, ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ and OETT will work together directly to arrange funding, helping to reduce the financial burden on the orthotic workforce.
Dr Nicky Eddison, ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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.â€
Kay Purnell, OETT Chair,
“We are delighted to collaborate with ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ on this pilot. It allows us to test a more streamlined and supportive funding process, helping more clinicians and support staff access essential training.â€
🤠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 ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ short course.
- The OETT Administrator reviews your application.
- If approved, OETT notifies ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ.
- ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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 ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ member?
Eligible practising Orthotists and Orthotic Support Workers working in the UK can still benefit from OETT funding. OETT will fund up to the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ member course fee, and ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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.

Course aim:
The course aims to improve the skills of the Orthotist when providing therapeutic footwear to their patients.​Ìý
Course description:
Day 1Ìýis presented virtually and covers footwear assessment procedures, what to consider, analysis of the situation and how to use this information to choose the mostÌýappropriate typeÌýof footwear.ÌýÌýTheÌýdifferent typesÌýof footwear will be discussed, stock, modular, and bespoke footwear (its uses, allowances,ÌýbenefitsÌýand limitations).ÌýÌýThe 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.​​Ìý
Ìý
Days 2 and 3Ìýare face to face and includes practical sessions aiming to improve assessment, measuring skills, casting, fitting,ÌýsupplyingÌýand reviewing skills.​Ìý
Potential problems at fitting and review and how to resolve them will be discussed and suggestions on how to improve practice will be suggested. ​Ìý
Attendees should be prepared to share a short case study on day 1.ÌýÌýThis can be either a success or a problem that they experience in their footwear provision.ÌýÌýA brief description is all that is needed but photos would help.​​Ìý
Attendees should bring an example of a footwear draft to day 2.​Ìý
Ìý
Delegates will need to attend all 3 days of this Short Course.Ìý
Intended Participants:Ìý
​​☒​ Orthotists
​​☒​ Other: Learners
We encourage practising Orthotists who must beÌýworking in the UK, to apply for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic Education and Training Trust).
Course fee funding for non-ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ members would be at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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: Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.

Course description:Ìý
Conservative Management of Spinal Fractures : The Role of Orthotics and the Multidisciplinary Team– A one day course
Ìý
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.Ìý
ÌýÌý
Will give suggestions and tips to change/improve pathways at local Trusts, and toÌýupgradeÌýspinal referrals.ÌýThe spinal referral examples sent out by ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµÌýwill be used, to enhance the outcome and treatment of the spinal injury patient group.ÌýÌý
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.ÌýÌý
Learning Outcomes:Ìý
Understand Biomechanics ofÌýdifferentÌýspinal fractures and spinal orthoses.ÌýÌý
IdentifyÌýwhat makes a fracture stable or unstable.ÌýÌý
IdentifyÌýindicationÌýof spinal bracing (and when NOT to brace a spinal fracture) backed by the evidence that is out thereÌý
Communicate and collaborate more effectively with the wider AHP team in the management of spinal fracturesÌý
Understand better what the different terminology means and classification of fractures.ÌýÌý
Apply patient-centred approach to improve compliance and comfort with orthotic treatmentÌýÌý
Appreciate the role of orthotic intervention in the conservative management of spinal fractures.ÌýÌý
Intended Participants:Ìý
​​☒​ Orthotists
​​☒​ Orthotic support workers
​​☒​ÌýOther:ÌýOT’s, Physio’s, Dr’s, Consultants. Any AHP’s involved in the treatment ofÌýpatientsÌýwith spinal fractures.ÌýÌý
Course timings: registration at 09:00, start 09:30, finish by 15:00
We encourage practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must beÌýworking 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 ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ members, subject to the OETT Terms and Conditions. Funding includes the course fee, travel, and accommodation.
Course fee funding for non-ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ members would be at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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: Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.

Course description:Ìý
The Rehabilitation KAFO and improving manufacturing outcomes– A two day course
Ìý
The prescription of Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFOs) often presents challenges for those lacking extensive experience, whether in understanding the rationale behind prescription, design, and alignment, or in effectively communicating these needs between clinical and technical staff. Additionally, manufacturing KAFOs can be complex, with technical staff sometimes struggling to grasp various aspects of the process.Ìý
Course aim:
This course aims to bridge the gap in information exchange between different professional groups within the industry, addressing challenges stemming from a lack of experience and confidence. By simplifying the patient journey and technical process, weÌýseekÌýto save time, money, and improve consistency in practice and outcomes, both clinically and in manufacturing.Ìý
Learning Outcomes:Ìý
Participants will gain knowledge in the following areas:Ìý
Values-Based Healthcare and the client journey. Measuring change.Ìý
Physical and biomechanical background relevant to lower limb orthoses and KAFOs more specifically.Ìý
Understanding basic presentations and makingÌýappropriate designÌýchoices.Ìý
Overview of locked, posterior offset, and optimisable stance stabilised KAFOs.Ìý
Conducting assessments and making informedÌýcomponentÌýchoices.Ìý
Appraising existing KAFO designs.Ìý
Considering social and health status factors in KAFO prescription.Ìý
Manipulating Ground Reaction Force (GRF) for optimised outcomes and increased stabilityÌýor increased input.Ìý
Manual shape capture techniques, including corrections and alignment.Ìý
Preparation of casts for ease of use by technical staff.Ìý
Building Line of Progression or anatomical KAFO designs.Ìý
Efficient preparation time shortcuts for technical and clinical staff.Ìý
Conducting test fittings and implementing fitting tips and tricks.ÌýÌý
Intended Participants:Ìý
​​☒​ Orthotists
​​☒​ÌýOrthotic technicianÌý
​​☒​ Orthotic support workers
​​☒​ÌýOther:ÌýThis course is designed for Technicians,ÌýOrthotistsÌýand Support Workers, with particular emphasis on theÌýsynergyÌýbetween Technician and Orthotist teams. Collaborative participation is encouraged to maximize learning outcomes and practical application.ÌýÌýPlease note: This course is not available to Students.Ìý
We encourage practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must beÌýworking 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 ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ members, subject to the OETT Terms and Conditions. Funding includes the course fee, travel, and accommodation.
Course fee funding for non-ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ members would be at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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: Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.

Course description:Ìý
Spine and Lower Limb Anatomy CourseÌý
Ìý
Course aim:
The courseÌýrepresentsÌýan exciting opportunity for Orthotists and Prosthetists to gain a unique insight into the human body using cadaveric material and the latest in digital technology.Ìý
The morning session will focus on the spine, hip and thigh and the afternoon session will examine the knee, lowerÌýlegÌýand 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 toÌýassistÌýyou 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.Ìý
Learning Outcomes:Ìý
This event aims to equip clinicians with the knowledge of the spine and lower limb anatomyÌýrequiredÌýto 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 andÌýprosections.Ìý
Ìý
SyllabusÌý
• Registration and introductionÌý
• Anatomy of the spine,ÌýhipÌýand thigh (Lecture)ÌýÌý
• ProsectionsÌýof the spine,ÌýhipÌýand thigh (practical session)ÌýÌý
• LunchÌý
• Anatomy of the knee, lower leg,ÌýankleÌýand foot (Lecture)ÌýÌý
• ProsectionsÌýof the knee, lower leg,ÌýankleÌýand foot (practical session)ÌýÌý
• Evaluation and conclusion
Intended Participants:Ìý
​​☒​ Orthotists
​​☒​ Prosthetist
​​☒​ÌýOther:ÌýLearner
Course timings: registration at 09:00, start 09:30, finish by 16:00
We encourage practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must beÌýworking 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 ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ members, subject to the OETT Terms and Conditions. Funding includes the course fee, travel, and accommodation.
Course fee funding for non-ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ members would be at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµ 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: Requests for reimbursement must include evidence of reflective learning/CPD.

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.

Conservative Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: Evidence, Bracing Techniques, and Case StudiesÌý
Current Evidence and NICE ThresholdsÌý
Speaker:ÌýDr. Jill Halstead-RastrickÌý
Description:ÌýExercise and weight loss are the first-line treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Alongside this, knee braces offer people with knee pain an alternative treatmentÌýoption, especially for those where first line treatments or knee surgery are not possible, but the evidence is limited.ÌýÌý
Knee bracing was reviewed as part of the recent OA NICE guidelineÌýupdateÌýand this will be discussed.Ìý
Auditing Knee Brace ProvisionÌý
Speaker:ÌýMatthew WoodÌý
Description:ÌýDuring 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 proposeÌýappropriate patientsÌýare offered an orthotists’ assessment whilst they wait, and a protocol was agreed.ÌýThis 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.ÌýÌý
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.Ìý
Biomechanical Principles and Brace Selection for OA BracingÌý
Speaker:ÌýGiles Leeming
Description:ÌýBracing for knee osteoarthritis relies on biomechanical principles to manage theÌýosteoarthritis (OA) by redistributing the mechanical load across the knee joint. Understanding these principles is crucial for selecting andÌýcustomisingÌýbraces 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 forÌýaccurateÌýbrace selection; and present case studiesÌýÌý
Giles will also introduce Allan Henshall, a bi-lateral brace user and will also present problem-solving through various case studies.
Past Short Courses & Webinars































