The Executive Committee (EC) is accountable to and acts with the authority of the members. It develops the strategy, policy and direction of the Association and ensures that members’ interests are represented in all areas.
Dr Nicky Eddison
CHAIR
Nicky has been working as an NHS orthotist since 2007; she is currently a Consultant Orthotist and service manager at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust. She is also an Associate Professor at the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies, Staffordshire University, with a keen interest in research. Nicky has published work in several internationally peer-reviewed journals and completed her PhD in 2018.
Pam Coulton
VICE CHAIR
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 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 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 with 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, make 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 from colleagues working in every P&O setting.
Paul Charlton
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Paul is a full-time practising Orthotist from the North. He currently sits on the Research Committee and the Professional Affairs Committee, previously being Chair.
Dave Buchanan
COMMITTEE MEMBER
He graduated from Salford University in 1999 with a first class honours degree and a top student award.
He started his professional life as an Aircraft Engineer with the MOD and RAF. At that time he was a Party Leader in the RAF Mountain Rescue Service but unexpected life changes ended with him attending Salford University in 1995; And what turned out to be the best move of his life!
Since 2014 Dave has been at least partially responsible for some of the orthotic systems our profession uses around the world and has worked, and lived, around the Globe working for the biggest manufacturers and educators in the P and O sphere.
He speaks German, and actually taught his first Knee-Ankle-Foot-Orthosis course in his developing language only 8 months after beginning to learn it, whilst living in Germany. It wasn’t very good.
Dave’s clinically visible roles generally revolve around the support of people hoping to gain specialisation and expertise in Knee-Ankle-Foot Orthoses, Ankle-Foot-Orthoses and joint systems in the treatment of complex caseloads. But he has also presented internationally on the holistic and orthotic treatment of Osteoarthritis in both a clinical and developmental roles and continues to work in the R and D sphere, today, with a focus on composite technologies.
He also has the immense honour of being the first, and to date, only practising Orthotist in the world to be admitted to the register of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow as a Fellow of the Faculty of Podiatric Medicine. As far as he knows, anyway.
Since 2010, Dave has had an intense and deepening interest in stance control orthoses and, subsequently, in developing the potential for stance stabilised KAFOS. Stance stabilised KAFOs are designed to stimulate neuroplastic development via normalisation of motion after certain types of insult, injury or illness. This is an emerging practice which requires the support of research to generate evidence for or against such approaches.
Sport has always been extremely important to Dave, and he has managed a few briefly notable achievements in climbing, paragliding and mountain biking until working life stole his focus, completely.
He also has an Olympic Torch from 2012 in his office.
Dave is honoured to be a member of the Executive Committee, the Finance Committee and also Chair of the Education Committee.
Chris Rowley
TREASURER
Gemma Cassidy
COMMITTEE MEMBER
I qualified in Prosthetics and Orthotics at the University of Salford in 2004.
I have worked as an Orthotist for NHS trusts and private companies seeing patients in the public and private sectors.
I gained my Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Advanced Psychotherapy in 2013.
I have found the skills gained from these qualifications helped me to improve my connections and treatments with clients and team members in the professional setting by linking psychological knowledge with clinical skills.
My interests lie within Orthotics and the impact of AHP’s within the healthcare setting in addition to health psychology and public health.
I am proud to be a member of the P+O community. I have been the Mental Health and Wellbeing lead for BAPO since 2020 and I am passionate about this opportunity to contribute to sustaining the P+O workforce.
Dave Gamble
COMMITTEE MEMBER
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.
Ian Adam
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Dom Hannett
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Having qualified from the University of Salford in 2000, Dominic began his career in prosthetics. Dominic has worked clinically across a number of centres in the UK and Ireland progressing his skills and exposure to different practices. Dominic is a strong advocate for technology in Clinical Practice, for example the use of CAD/CAM, information systems in clinical practice and data capture tools.Dominic works as clinical director for Opcare, heading up the clinical team across the business covering prosthetics, orthotics and wheelchair services. Dominic describes himself as an activist and likes to get involved directly in tasks and projects. He focuses on patient care and experience as he views the work we do as a vocation.Dominic is keen to develop the profession we work in and represent our professional standards in our day-to-day work.
Sophie Hill
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Robert Affutu-Nartey
COMMITTEE MEMBER