About Us

The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) is established for the advancement for the public benefit of Science, Art and Practice of Orthopaedic Surgery with the aim of bringing relief to patients of all ages from the effects of injury or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

The Association was founded in 1918 with twelve founding members. We now have over 5,000 members worldwide, the majority based in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is a pivotal organisation within the British surgical scene, representing some 40% of the total surgical workforce.

Membership is made up of Consultants (active or retired), Staff and Associate specialist grades (SAS) and trainees. There are almost 300 overseas members.

The British Orthopaedic Association is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

The BOA Strategy 2025–2029: One Profession: One Voice 

The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) is a community united by one purpose: to relieve pain, restore function, and transform lives. This vision reflects the life-changing impact of Trauma & Orthopaedics — restoring independence, improving quality of life, and delivering care that truly matters.

Our new strategic plan for 2025–2029 sets out how we will achieve this. It focuses on four priorities:

• Driving excellence in care by embedding high standards, tackling inequalities, and supporting sustainability.
• Developing the profession through education, training, and support at every career stage.
• Speaking up for T&O to ensure safe, universal access to musculoskeletal care and a strong voice in national policy.
• Championing research and innovation so that new technologies like robotics and AI benefit patients responsibly.

This strategy is an evolution, not a revolution — sharpening our focus on outcomes, advocacy, and innovation. It ensures the BOA remains strong, sustainable, and connected to the communities we serve.

At its heart, the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) is more than an organisation — it is a community. This is the vision at the centre of our new strategic plan for 2025–2029.

A renewed vision

We have updated our vision from “Caring for patients, supporting surgeons” to:

“Relieving pain, restoring function, and transforming lives.”

This refreshed vision reflects the true impact of Trauma & Orthopaedics. It shifts the focus beyond what we do to the difference we make in people’s lives — relieving pain, restoring independence, and transforming quality of life.

It is a stronger, more outward-facing vision that resonates with patients, the public, policymakers, and our partners, while still recognising the unique role of surgeons and our profession.

Responding to today’s challenges

We all know the pressures facing healthcare: growing demand, stretched services, and patients who need us to adapt, innovate, and maintain the highest standards of care.

Over the last year, we have sought the views of members and held searching debates within Council to clarify the BOA’s role in supporting our community and advocating for excellence in patient care.

Our new strategy brings together our vision, mission, and values — providing a clear roadmap to raise standards, support innovation, and ensure the BOA remains a trusted, respected voice across healthcare.

Four key priorities

Our strategy focuses on four priorities:

1. Drive Excellence
   • Embed the highest standards of care
   • Reduce inequalities
   • Support sustainability
   • Improve consistency across services
2. Develop the Profession
   • Inspire and support surgeons at every career stage
   • Strengthen education, training, and retention
   • Value all roles within our community
   • Continue to grow the BOA Congress as the place to connect, debate, and learn
3. Speak Up for Trauma & Orthopaedics
   • Advocate for safe, universal access to musculoskeletal care
   • Ensure T&O is recognised and prioritised in national policy
   • Attain the resources our patients and profession need
4. Champion Research and Innovation
   • Support responsible adoption of robotics, AI, and new technologies
   • Ensure innovations are evidence-based
   • Focus on technologies that deliver real benefits for patients

Building a strong, sustainable BOA

This strategy brings a sharper focus on outcomes, impact, and advocacy.

To deliver, we must also look inward:

• Ensuring sound governance and finances
• Strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Building closer collaboration with Specialist Societies, professional bodies, patient organisations, and the NHS and the independent sector
• Reflecting the communities we serve to ensure compassionate, forward-thinking care

Our role extends beyond the theatre and clinic. We must remain connected to our patients and communities, shaping not just treatment but the future of musculoskeletal health.