Orthotic Education Funding Support

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).

Application forms for Funding can be found on the OETT website

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 OETT website
Applicants may apply for reimbursement of course fee, plus travel and accommodation.
While trustees aim to support all appropriate short course applications, 100% funding may not always be available.

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 after the event that can be widely disseminated to share knowledge, and may be posted on the Trust’s website and in BAPO Connect magazine.

Exceptions to the guidance for Conferences and Seminars are the annual BAPO 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 Important points for Applications to OETT before making their application for funding or cost reimbursement.