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