Application deadline: Friday 29 May 2026

The British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) are pleased to offer two funded places on the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) Future Leaders Programme (FLP) 2026–27, with one place sponsored by each society for eligible members.

This highly regarded national programme is designed to support the development of future clinical leaders within orthopaedics, equipping participants with the skills, insight and networks required to lead service improvement and influence healthcare systems across orthopaedics.

About the BOA Future Leaders Programme

The BOA Future Leaders Programme is a leadership development programme for senior trainees, SAS surgeons and early-career consultants who are interested in developing leadership capability within their specialty.

Participants develop leadership skills through a combination of structured teaching, coaching and practical project work. A central component of the programme enables participants to apply leadership principles to real service improvement initiatives.

Sponsorship from BASS and BSS

Each society will sponsor one place on the programme for a suitable applicant from its membership.

The sponsorship will cover the BOA Future Leaders Programme fee. Participants should note that travel and accommodation are not included and will normally need to be funded by the participant.

Successful BASS and BSS-funded candidates will be expected to:

• Fully participate in all elements of the programme
• Write a short reflective summary of their experience for publication on the sponsoring society’s website (and potentially social media channels)
• Be willing to share learning or outcomes from the programme at a national spine meeting, for example at BASS, BSS or BritSpine meetings.

Application Requirements

Applicants seeking BASS or BSS sponsorship must be a member of the relevant society at the time of application. The successful candidate must be a BOA member when the programme begins in order to participate (applicants may apply without BOA membership but will need to join if selected).

Applicants wishing to be considered for the BASS or BSS-sponsored places should indicate this within their application.

BASS and BSS will convene panels to assess applications and select the successful candidates. All applications will be anonymised to reduce the risk of unconscious bias.

Please download the Main BOA Future Leaders Programme application form, provide your CV and complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring form.

Completed applications should be submitted to: policy@boa.ac.uk

Further information on the programme and application process is available on the BOA website: http://www.boa.ac.uk/flp

Applications are welcome for the 2026 Presidents' Travelling Fellowship
Deadline - Monday 5th January 2026

The British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) offer senior residents, spinal fellows and consultants within two years of their appointment a chance to have extensive exposure to complex spinal procedures at established spinal units over 2 weeks.
 
The Fellowship programme includes mandatory attendance at BASS 2026 in Aberdeen, 29 April - 1 May to complete a group presentation. The programme rotates between established orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal centres allowing significant contact between fellows and leaders in the field.
 
The Fellowship will take place between Monday 23rd February to Friday 6th March 2026. The Fellowship will rotate around centres in the UK (Centres proposed around Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield - subject to change). Fellows will then attend BASS 2026 in Aberdeen to present as a group on their Fellowship.

You can read the reports and opinions of last year's fellows HERE

If you have any questions or queries about this fellowship, further details can be obtained from Mr Rajat Verma (president@spinesurgeons.ac.uk) and Mr Lee Breakwell (president@britscolisis.org.uk)
 
Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following documents:

• your Curriculum Vitae (CV),
• a single-page personal statement describing your career pathway, interests and future plans.
• A letter of recommendation from your supervising consultant/clinical lead.

Your application should be sent to UKSSB@boa.ac.uk by Monday 5th January 2026. (only MS Word or PDF file formats accepted)

Applications will be reviewed by a panel from the BASS and BSS Executives. All candidates will be informed of the decisions after the application deadline

Eligibility Criteria:
(For further criteria, please refer to person specification here)

• Applicants should be members of either BASS, BSS, BOA, SBNS or local spine society.
• Applicants should be post-FRCS exam senior residents, clinical spinal fellows or junior consultants in the first 2 years of their appointment.
• Previously unsuccessful applicants can re-apply.
• Fellowships cannot be awarded retrospectively.

Details of The Fellowship:

• BASS/BSS will reimburse travelling expenses up to £2,000. Claims must be submitted within 3 months of the Fellowship. Detailed financial arrangements will be provided to successful candidates.
• International fellows will be required to pay for their flights to the UK.
• By accepting the Fellowship, all awardees agree not to partake in any activities that will bring BASS/BSS and/or sponsors into disrepute. BASS/BSS accept no liability for the actions of the candidates whilst on the Fellowship or for activities related to it.
• Each Fellow is required to submit a report of approximately 500 words within 6 weeks of completion of the Fellowship. This may be published on the BASS and/or BSS websites and official communications.
• Fellows will be expected to register and attend BASS 2026 to present a group presentation.

ORUK/BASS/BSS Spine Research Fellowship 2025

Closing date EXTENDED to Wednesday 29 October 2025 at 11:59pm

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS) and The British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS), in conjunction with Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK), are pleased to be accepting applications for a 2-year spine research fellowship.

This spine research fellowship of up to £70k is funded between the three organisations across a period of 2 years. This will require a leave of absence from clinical roles and / or training with agreement of employers or training programme directors.

It is aimed at individuals with an interest in research into any spinal area. It is open for applications to any individual who is already a member of either BSS or BASS or would be eligible to apply for full membership commensurate to their seniority within their professional group. If in the situation that the applicant is not a member of either society but eligible to apply otherwise, the granting of the award would be conditional on attaining and maintaining full membership of either BSS or BASS for the entire duration of the grant.

Our approach is inclusive, and we would welcome applications by allied health professionals (AHPs) and nurses along with medical doctors (consultants and trainees).

It is envisioned that this role will be full time and will result in the awarding of an MD, or equivalent higher degree, in partnership with a UK university, along with high impact papers in recognised journals.

Applications will be a single stage process with those successful invited for interview. The role is planned to commence in January 2026 and no later than June 2026.

Applications will be judged on the research idea presented, the prospective research fellow and their ability to deliver the research, and the supporting mentors / supervision team.

Your research should be aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those affected by debilitating spinal conditions. The fellowship’s goal is to identify challenging areas in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management; understand the underlying mechanisms involved, and develop appropriate scientific, clinical or technological solutions to address them.

Who can apply?

Member of either BSS or BASS, or those who would be eligible to apply for full membership commensurate to their seniority within their professional group. This includes allied health professionals (AHPs) and nurses along with medical doctors (consultants and trainees).

Further information including contact details and application form can be found at: https://oruk.org/research-2/bass-bss-oruk-spine-research-fellowship/

Dear Colleagues,
 
We would like to make everyone aware that we have made a significant revision to BSR with regards to the deformity pathway.

This will go live on Monday 14th July 2025 and members should see some changes to the data entry. The changes are for the DEFORMITY PATHWAY ONLY. 

This was as mentioned in previous BSS AGM meetings and that the aim was to align BSR with other international registries and allow for collaboration on future studies and any implant level data information. 

We also want to be able to analyse data in a meaningful way and contribute to evidence based clinical practice via registry-based studies. 

To this end a BSR-BSS Research Group study has been set up and you can contact the research committee with any study ideas and get involved in future publications. 
 
What to expect?
Going forward (from Monday 14th July), when you open the Deformity pathway on BSR you will see options for MDS (Mandatory Data set)  or MDS + Research data. 
Please click on MDS + Research data if you are keen to participate and contribute to the Research Group Studies 
MDS only can be used if you only want to contribute to the minimal data set to meet with BPT guidance for your service/Trust. 
 
If you have any questions or feedback, we have set up a forum on BSS website for members to discuss the changes to the pathway - visit the Forums here (member login required): https://britscoliosis.org.uk/Forums

Direct feedback can also be sent to BSR-BSS Lead at: governance@britscoliosis.org.uk
 
Please let me know if you have any questions.

Kind Regards,
Shreya Srinivas
Governance and Registry Lead on the BSS Executive Committee
Email: governance@britscoliosis.org.uk

Funded places for the BOA Future Leaders Programme (FLP)
Applications Welcome!

Closing date for applications: Thursday 1st May 2025

Dear BASS and BSS members,

The 2025 BOA Future Leaders Programme (FLP) has launched and applications are now open. BASS and BSS will be sponsoring one fellow each for this programme. These places are only open to members of BASS and BSS.

Applications will close on Thursday 1^st May 2025.

To be eligible to take part in the programme, when the programme runs, you must be either:

• A senior trainee (ST8 or above)
• A newly appointed consultant (less than 3 years)
• An SAS Surgeon (FRCS Tr & Orth)
• A post-CCT Surgeon

The successful candidate must be a BOA member when the programme runs to be eligible to take part. (you may still apply without BOA membership, but will need to apply if successful. You must be a BASS or BSS member upon application)

The application and selection process will be anonymised to reduce the potential for unconscious bias.

To apply: Please download the Main BOA Future Leaders Programme application form, provide your CV and complete the Equality and Diversity Monitoring form. Send your completed application to policy@boa.ac.uk

More information on the FLP and how to apply is via BOA website at: boa.ac.uk/flp

Applications are welcome for the 2025 Presidents' Travelling Fellowship
EXTENDED Deadline - Midday on Thursday 2nd January 2025

The British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) and the British Scoliosis Society (BSS) offer senior residents, spinal fellows and consultants within two years of their appointment a chance to have extensive exposure to complex spinal procedures at established spinal units over 2 weeks.
 
The Fellowship programme includes mandatory attendance at BritSpine 2025 in Manchester, 12-14 March 2025 to complete a group presentation. The programme rotates between established orthopaedic and neurosurgical spinal centres allowing significant contact between fellows and leaders in the field.
 
The Fellowship will take place between Monday 24th February and Friday 7th March 2025. The Fellowship will rotate around centres in the UK (Centres proposed around Preston and Salford - subject to change). Fellows will then attend BritSpine 2025 in Manchester to present as a group on their Fellowship.
 
If you have any questions or queries about this fellowship, further details can be obtained from Mr Aprajay Golash (president@spinesurgeons.ac.uk) and Mr Neil Oxborrow (president@britscolisis.org.uk)
 
Application Process:
To apply, please submit the following documents:

• your Curriculum Vitae (CV),
• a single-page personal statement describing your career pathway, interests and future plans.
• A letter of recommendation from your supervising consultant/clinical lead.

Your application should be sent to UKSSB@boa.ac.uk by Midday on Thursday 2nd January 2025. (only MS Word or PDF file formats accepted)

Applications will be reviewed by a panel from the BASS and BSS Executives. All candidates will be informed of the decisions after the application deadline.


Eligibility Criteria:
(For further criteria, please refer to person specification here)

• Applicants should be members of either BASS, BSS, BOA, SBNS or local spine society.
• Applicants should be post-FRCS exam senior residents, clinical spinal fellows or junior consultants in the first 2 years of their appointment.
• Previously unsuccessful applicants can re-apply.
• Fellowships cannot be awarded retrospectively.

Details of The Fellowship:

• BASS/BSS will reimburse travelling expenses up to £2,000. Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the Fellowship. Detailed financial arrangements will be provided to successful candidates.
• International fellows will be required to pay for their flights to the UK.
• By accepting the Fellowship, all awardees agree not to partake in any activities that will bring BASS/BSS and/or sponsors into disrepute. BASS/BSS accept no liability for the actions of the candidates whilst on the Fellowship or for activities related to it.
• Each Fellow is required to submit a report of approximately 500 words within 6 weeks of completion of the Fellowship. This may be published on the BASS and/or BSS websites and official communications.
• Fellows will be expected to register and attend BritSpine 2025 to present a group presentation.

PDF version of Position Statement HERE

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS) is aware that companies have been promoting the use of new implants / procedures for scoliosis procedures in children in the UK. This should obviously only proceed after local Trust governance procedures have been followed and approved. 

Additionally, BSS strongly encourage local audit and presentation of data at the Regional Spine Networks as well as inputting data onto the British Spine Registry (BSR). 

The BSS position is that new implants or established implants with significant modifications should be registered with Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) / Beyond Compliance (BC) and members should review the ODEP / BC data for new implants for use. 

The BSS wants to encourage innovation. Comprehensive data collection of all implants inserted will allow us to detect any early problems and, also achieve confidence in successful innovation at an earlier time so that more patients can benefit.

British Scoliosis Society Executive Committee
October 2024

A national rollout of the National Consultant Information Programme (NCIP) portal is under way for consultant spinal surgeons across England, enabling them to confidentially review their personal practice to help improve clinical quality and patient safety. 

All consultant spinal surgeons, clinical leads, responsible officers and medical directors are invited to register for access to more than 30 spinal dashboards in the NCIP tool. Procedures include high volume procedures such as posterior lumbar discectomy and decompression and specialist surgical conditions such as intradural intramedullary tumour excision.
 
Key features of NCIP include:

• A ‘whole practice’ view, allowing consultants to see their surgical activity and pseudonymised patient records across all their providers in one view.
• A ‘clinical leads’ view, enabling consultants who are specialty clinical leads to view NCIP data for all consultant peers in their unit.
• Functionality to export data, which can be used to streamline clinical audit and support appraisal meetings. 

About NCIP- Visit https://gettingitrightfirsttime.co.uk/associated_projects/ncip/
Login to NCIP: https://ncip.model.nhs.uk
 
NCIP is launching the national spinal rollout at the BASS conference in Bournemouth (March 20-22, 2024), where Chair of NCIP, Sir Norman Williams and NCIP’s Spinal clinical lead Mike Hutton will give a presentation on the benefits of regular use of NCIP data. Delegates – existing and new users – can visit the NCIP stand for a demonstration. Email pavitra.paniker@nhs.net  for further details.

Closing date for applications: 3rd May 2024

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS), The British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS), and Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) are pleased to announce a new, 2-year spine research fellowship.

This fellowship of up to £70k is funded between the three organisations across a period of 2 years. This will require a leave of absence from clinical roles and / or training with agreement of employers or training programme directors.

The fellowship is aimed at individuals with an interest in research into any spinal area. It is open for applications from any individual who is already a member of BSS or BASS or would be eligible to apply for full membership commensurate to their seniority within their professional group. Our approach is inclusive, and we would welcome applications by allied health professionals (AHPs) and nurses along with medical doctors (consultants and trainees).
It is envisioned that this role will be full time and will result in the awarding of an MD, or equivalent higher degree, in partnership with a UK university, along with high impact papers in recognised journals.


Application process
Applications will be a single stage process, with those successful invited for interview. The role is planned to commence in August 2024 and no later than March 2025.
Applications will be judged on the research idea presented, the prospective research fellow and their ability to deliver the research, and the supporting mentors / supervision team.

Read more in Guidelines for Researchers

The closing date for applications is Friday 3rd May 2024 at 17:00

Further information including contact details and application form can be found at: https://oruk.org/research/joint-partnership-funds/

The British Scoliosis Society (BSS), British Association of Spine Surgeons (BASS) and the UKSSB are supporting 'Movember'!

Movember.com is a charity that funds projects to improve Men’s Health: Mental Health, Prostate Cancer and Testicular Cancer.

Please join the UK Spine Surgeons Team and our Captain Paul Thorpe and/or donate to the Team: https://movember.com/t/uk-spine-surgeons-1.

If a "Mo" is not for you then you can join us and raise money in other ways:

• Move for mental health Run or walk 60km this Movember to support men’s health

• Host a Mo-ment Host an event this Movember to support men’s health

• Mo your own way Do your own wildcard idea this Movember to support men’s health

Submit pictures of you and your "Mo"!

Some may have already started but for those who haven’t... START YOUR MO TODAY

Team members can submit photos by the end of the month to movember@britscoliosis.org.uk and prizes will be awarded for "Best Mo", "Top Fundraiser", "Lame Mo" (worst moustache but the best effort) and "Best Mo Sister".

There will also be a Team photo at the BSS meeting in Liverpool!

Mo Sisters!

The only thing Mo Sistas can’t do is Grow (for obvious reasons) but if you would like to support the Team, You can purchase a Mo Sista or Mo Supporter Badge (£2) or T shirt (£10) at BSS Liverpool

All proceeds go to the UK Spine Surgeons team

To buy merchandise - Pay at BSS2023 in Liverpool or use this PayPal link and collect your badge/Tee at BSS Liverpool : https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8YNZlBbYuQ