Who We Are
The British Association of Prosthetics and Orthotics (formerly the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists) was founded in 1995 and is the recognised professional body representing the prosthetic and orthotic workforce across the United Kingdom. In June 2025, we changed our name to better reflect the full breadth and inclusivity of our professional community — encompassing prosthetists, orthotists, technicians, support workers, and learners. We advocate on behalf of the entire workforce, ensuring their voices are heard within their workplaces, among multidisciplinary healthcare professionals including medical, nursing, and allied health teams, and nationally among all relevant stakeholders, government bodies, and industry partners.
BAPO is a member of the Allied Health Professionals Federation, a group made up of 12 allied health professional bodies representing more than 158,000 workers in the UK
Governance structure
BAPO is a member-led organisation with a constitution and standing orders. It has an elected Executive Committee led by the elected Chair. The Chair of BAPO is responsible for the overall running of the organisation with the support of the office bearers and BAPO staff.
Mission Statement
BAPO remains committed to its core ethos: “Empowering the profession to enable the user”. This guiding principle continues to shape our direction and inspire our work.
Purpose
BAPO is dedicated to advancing the prosthetics and orthotics profession. We strive to support our members’ interests while ensuring that individuals across the UK receive effective, safe, and timely care.
Vision
Our vision is to empower members to transform lives and improve public health outcomes by delivering high-quality prosthetic and orthotic care that has a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.
Values
Our work is guided by values that define the conduct of BAPO’s Executive Committee and inform the activities of all our committees:
- Trust
- Respect
- Proactivity
- Inclusivity
- Transparency
What We Do
BAPO serves its members through a range of strategic and practical initiatives, including:
- Advocating for members’ interests with key stakeholders in the prosthetics and orthotics sector.
- Ensuring the profession is represented in national strategies, policies, and guidance.
- Developing and maintaining standards of best practice.
- Organising conferences for prosthetics and orthotics professionals, support workforce, and learners
- Disseminating critical information and updates relevant to the profession.
- Delivering educational opportunities for both members and the broader healthcare community.
- Promoting and facilitating ongoing professional development.
- Offering expert advice, guidance, and support to members.
- Providing professional indemnity insurance.