Professional Development Opportunities: Short Courses & Webinars
At the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (51勛圖), 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 practitionerswhether newly qualified or highly experiencedwith the knowledge, skills, and confidence to meet the dynamic needs of modern prosthetic and orthotic care. 51勛圖 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 developmentsall from the convenience of their home or workplace.
Structured Short Courses
In addition to webinars, 51勛圖 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, 51勛圖 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, 51勛圖 is not only supporting the growth and development of individual practitioners but also contributing to the advancement of the profession as a whole.
Annoucement
Were 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 51勛圖 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, 51勛圖 and OETT will work together directly to arrange funding, helping to reduce the financial burden on the orthotic workforce.
Dr Nicky Eddison, 51勛圖 Chair,
This pilot marks an important step toward making professional development more accessible. By removing upfront costs, we are enabling more of our workforce to engage in high-quality education without financial barriers.
Kay Purnell, OETT Chair,
We are delighted to collaborate with 51勛圖 on this pilot. It allows us to test a more streamlined and supportive funding process, helping more clinicians and support staff access essential training.
This pilot reflects our shared commitment to supporting the orthotic community and investing in its future. The next step is to ensure that training and education are protected in service contracts, enabling our workforce to thrive.
To learn more about OETT, visit: https://www.oett.org.uk/
How OETT pre-funding works
- Apply for funding via the OETT website, specifying this 51勛圖 short course.
- The OETT Administrator reviews your application.
- If approved, OETT notifies 51勛圖.
- 51勛圖 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 51勛圖 member?
Eligible practising Orthotists and Orthotic Support Workers working in the UK can still benefit from OETT funding. OETT will fund up to the 51勛圖 member course fee, and 51勛圖 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.泭
Course description:
Day 1泭is presented virtually and covers footwear assessment procedures, what to consider, analysis of the situation and how to use this information to choose the most泭appropriate type泭of footwear.泭泭The泭different types泭of footwear will be discussed, stock, modular, and bespoke footwear (its uses, allowances,泭benefits泭and limitations).泭泭The mechanics of feet and how they affect footwear and how footwear affects feet is included, with lots of detail about designing bespoke footwear and how each part of it should be specified and designed by the orthotist to achieve the best outcome for the patient.泭
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Days 2 and 3泭are face to face and includes practical sessions aiming to improve assessment, measuring skills, casting, fitting,泭supplying泭and reviewing skills.泭
Potential problems at fitting and review and how to resolve them will be discussed and suggestions on how to improve practice will be suggested.胼泭
Attendees should be prepared to share a short case study on day 1.泭泭This can be either a success or a problem that they experience in their footwear provision.泭泭A brief description is all that is needed but photos would help.泭
Attendees should bring an example of a footwear draft to day 2.泭
泭
Delegates will need to attend all 3 days of this Short Course.泭
Intended Participants:泭
Orthotists
Other: Learners
We encourage practising Orthotists who must be泭working in the UK, to apply for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic Education and Training Trust).
Course fee funding for non-51勛圖 members would be at the 51勛圖 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:泭
Conservative Management of Spinal Fractures : The Role of Orthotics and the Multidisciplinary Team A one day course
泭
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the orthotic management of spinal fractures. There is some focus on collaborative care involving all AHPs working with patients who have sustained vertebral fractures, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.泭
泭泭
Will give suggestions and tips to change/improve pathways at local Trusts, and to泭upgrade泭spinal referrals.泭The spinal referral examples sent out by 51勛圖泭will be used, to enhance the outcome and treatment of the spinal injury patient group.泭泭
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.泭泭
Learning Outcomes:泭
Understand Biomechanics of泭different泭spinal fractures and spinal orthoses.泭泭
Identify泭what makes a fracture stable or unstable.泭泭
Identify泭indication泭of spinal bracing (and when NOT to brace a spinal fracture) backed by the evidence that is out there泭
Communicate and collaborate more effectively with the wider AHP team in the management of spinal fractures泭
Understand better what the different terminology means and classification of fractures.泭泭
Apply patient-centred approach to improve compliance and comfort with orthotic treatment泭泭
Appreciate the role of orthotic intervention in the conservative management of spinal fractures.泭泭
Intended Participants:泭
Orthotists
Orthotic support workers
泭Other:泭OTs, Physios, Drs, Consultants. Any AHPs involved in the treatment of泭patients泭with spinal fractures.泭泭
Course timings: registration at 09:00, start 09:30, finish by 15:00
We encourage practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must be泭working in the UK, to apply for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic Education and Training Trust). This course has been approved for 100% funding by OETT for 51勛圖 members, subject to the OETT Terms and Conditions. Funding includes the course fee, travel, and accommodation.
Course fee funding for non-51勛圖 members would be at the 51勛圖 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:泭
The Rehabilitation KAFO and improving manufacturing outcomes A two day course
泭
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.泭
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, we泭seek泭to save time, money, and improve consistency in practice and outcomes, both clinically and in manufacturing.泭
Learning Outcomes:泭
Participants will gain knowledge in the following areas:泭
Values-Based Healthcare and the client journey. Measuring change.泭
Physical and biomechanical background relevant to lower limb orthoses and KAFOs more specifically.泭
Understanding basic presentations and making泭appropriate design泭choices.泭
Overview of locked, posterior offset, and optimisable stance stabilised KAFOs.泭
Conducting assessments and making informed泭component泭choices.泭
Appraising existing KAFO designs.泭
Considering social and health status factors in KAFO prescription.泭
Manipulating Ground Reaction Force (GRF) for optimised outcomes and increased stability泭or increased input.泭
Manual shape capture techniques, including corrections and alignment.泭
Preparation of casts for ease of use by technical staff.泭
Building Line of Progression or anatomical KAFO designs.泭
Efficient preparation time shortcuts for technical and clinical staff.泭
Conducting test fittings and implementing fitting tips and tricks.泭泭
Intended Participants:泭
Orthotists
泭Orthotic technician泭
Orthotic support workers
泭Other:泭This course is designed for Technicians,泭Orthotists泭and Support Workers, with particular emphasis on the泭synergy泭between Technician and Orthotist teams. Collaborative participation is encouraged to maximize learning outcomes and practical application.泭泭Please note: This course is not available to Students.泭
We encourage practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must be泭working in the UK, to apply for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic Education and Training Trust). This course has been approved for 100% funding by OETT for 51勛圖 members, subject to the OETT Terms and Conditions. Funding includes the course fee, travel, and accommodation.
Course fee funding for non-51勛圖 members would be at the 51勛圖 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:泭
Spine and Lower Limb Anatomy Course泭
泭
Course aim:
The course泭represents泭an exciting opportunity for Orthotists and Prosthetists to gain a unique insight into the human body using cadaveric material and the latest in digital technology.泭
The morning session will focus on the spine, hip and thigh and the afternoon session will examine the knee, lower泭leg泭and foot. You will be able to refresh your anatomical knowledge by attending a lecture by a resident academic before visiting the laboratories, where anatomy demonstrators will be on hand to泭assist泭you in examining the cadavers. Here, you will be able to gain a thorough understanding of the complete anatomy and apply it to every day clinical practice.泭
Learning Outcomes:泭
This event aims to equip clinicians with the knowledge of the spine and lower limb anatomy泭required泭to effectively treat various pathologies in clinical practice. The course content will concentrate on joints, muscle attachments, nerves, and the circulatory system and will be delivered through lectures and泭prosections.泭
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Syllabus泭
Registration and introduction泭
Anatomy of the spine,泭hip泭and thigh (Lecture)泭泭
Prosections泭of the spine,泭hip泭and thigh (practical session)泭泭
Lunch泭
Anatomy of the knee, lower leg,泭ankle泭and foot (Lecture)泭泭
Prosections泭of the knee, lower leg,泭ankle泭and foot (practical session)泭泭
Evaluation and conclusion
Intended Participants:泭
Orthotists
Prosthetist
泭Other:泭Learner
Course timings: registration at 09:00, start 09:30, finish by 16:00
We encourage practising Orthotists or Orthotic Support Workers, who must be泭working in the UK, to apply for reimbursement from OETT (The Orthotic Education and Training Trust). This course has been approved for 100% funding by OETT for 51勛圖 members, subject to the OETT Terms and Conditions. Funding includes the course fee, travel, and accommodation.
Course fee funding for non-51勛圖 members would be at the 51勛圖 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.

Were planning a hands-on anatomy refresher course for clinicians and students in Prosthetics & Orthoticsand 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 youd find most valuable.
Complete the short survey and register your interestspaces will be limited.

Conservative Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: Evidence, Bracing Techniques, and Case Studies泭
Current Evidence and NICE Thresholds泭
Speaker:泭Dr. Jill Halstead-Rastrick泭
Description:泭Exercise and weight loss are the first-line treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Alongside this, knee braces offer people with knee pain an alternative treatment泭option, especially for those where first line treatments or knee surgery are not possible, but the evidence is limited.泭泭
Knee bracing was reviewed as part of the recent OA NICE guideline泭update泭and this will be discussed.泭
Auditing Knee Brace Provision泭
Speaker:泭Matthew Wood泭
Description:泭During the Covid-19 pandemic, when elective surgery was suspended on the NHS, the waiting list for total knee replacements got longer with fewer resources available to manage deteriorating patients. We designed an audit to propose泭appropriate patients泭are offered an orthotists assessment whilst they wait, and a protocol was agreed.泭This provided us with an opportunity to prove that the research supporting knee bracing could provide benefits to quality of life, improve outcomes, and reduce costs.泭泭
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.泭
Biomechanical Principles and Brace Selection for OA Bracing泭
Speaker:泭Giles Leeming
Description:泭Bracing for knee osteoarthritis relies on biomechanical principles to manage the泭osteoarthritis (OA) by redistributing the mechanical load across the knee joint. Understanding these principles is crucial for selecting and泭customising泭braces to cater to individual patient needs, ensuring effective pain management and functional improvement. Giles Leeming will go through these principles, and will also delve into the principles for泭accurate泭brace selection; and present case studies泭泭
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































