The Orthotic Education & Training Trust (OETT) was originally set up by the Department of Health and the British Surgical Trades Association, in partnership with the British Institute of Surgical Technologists, to provide a private fund for the training and education of Orthotists. The income was substantially derived from a levy on orthotic device sales to the NHS. This levy ceased when the training of Orthotists progressed to degree courses funded directly by government within the state higher education system.
The Trustees now manage the investment income derived from the levy funds as its only source of income. Their focus currently is on postgraduate training and education. The object of the Trust as defined by its deed is to fund firstly, the education and training of:
Orthotists, Orthotic Technicians and Orthotic Managers
And secondly, the training of Technicians concerning surgical and medical appliances and devices (i.e. orthotic devices).
Orthotic Support Workers will be classed the same as Orthotic Technicians.
OETT funding is also open to Graduates moving onto apprenticeships.
Full information and Application forms for Funding can be found on the
As general guidance, the following should be noted, although each case is treated individually and exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Trustees:
1. Short Courses and Workshops
Applications for reimbursement of attendance on short courses (duration of three weeks or less) must be submitted using the online funding application form on the
Applicants may apply for reimbursement* of course fees, plus travel and accommodation.
Whilst trustees aim to support all appropriate short course applications, 100% funding may not always be available.
Claims and receipts must be submitted within 3 months of completing the short course*.
2. Long term funding for Training/Study
For applications relating to long term funding, currently between 50% – 67% of the requested funding may be provided. This is also the case for travelling fellowships to study at overseas centres of excellence and for research training fellowships.
3. Conferences and Seminars
For conferences with a strong educational element, a limited number of places may be fully or partly funded* (conference fee, plus travel and accommodation up to a specified limit), on a first come, first served principle. In return for such funding, the participants are required to present a report to OETT Trustees after the event that can be widely disseminated to share knowledge, and may be posted on the Trust’s and in the ±¬ÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Connect magazine.
Exceptions to the guidance for Conferences and Seminars are the annual ±¬ÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Conference in the UK, and the ISPO Conferences, where the Trustees provide sponsorship for an orthotic speaker, rather than support for delegates attending these events.
4. Continuing Professional Development Visits
Applications for visits to Centres of Excellence, to enable continuing development in particular aspects of orthotics, will be considered on individual merit.
5. Administration of Applications for Funding
*It is advisable that all Applicants should carefully read the before making their application for funding or cost reimbursement.
All applications for funding of education and training outlined above must be submitted using the online funding application form.
All applications must be supported by all requested documentation, receipts and specifically a CPD Portfolio form or equivalent.
enquiries@bapo.com (We suggest adding this email address to your contacts to ensure you receive all OETT correspondence).
c/o British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists (±¬ÁϳԹÏ)
Clyde Offices
2nd Floor, 48 West George Street
Glasgow
Scotland
G2 1BP
Tel: 0141 561 7217
·¡³¾²¹¾±±ô:Ìýenquiries@bapo.com
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thurs: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Fri: 9:00am – 12:00pm