News from
the iO
Professional Development Framework pilot
We are developing a new Framework in collaboration with educators, researchers, regulators, and practising osteopaths and welcome your valuable input.
The Professional Development Framework offers a flexible, inclusive model that will support your professional growth at every stage of your career. A new exclusive member benefit, this new Framework will help osteopaths reflect on their practice, recognise their strengths, identify areas for development, and explore new career opportunities.
Osteopaths work across diverse settings, in private practice, education, research, leadership, the NHS and service development. Many colleagues tell us that navigating career pathways and professional development can feel fragmented. Our aim is to bring clarity without limiting autonomy. The Framework will be a voluntary resource to support reflection, help you recognise your strengths, plan next steps and articulate your capabilities with confidence.
Dr Alison Robinson Canham, iO CEO, says of the Framework: The iO Professional Development Framework represents an important step in supporting the future of Osteopathy. It celebrates the breadth of our profession, provides clarity in a complex landscape, and empowers osteopaths to take ownership of their development in a way that is flexible, inclusive, and meaningful.
We look forward to working with you as we refine, test, and strengthen this Framework together, ensuring it becomes a resource that supports every osteopath, at every stage of their career, in every context of practice.
This Framework is being built for you to support your confidence, your growth and your journey as an osteopath. Your insight will shape it, and together we will create a resource that genuinely helps you thrive.”
Be part of the build: join the pilot and gain free CPD
We are launching an intensive pilot so that you can help us build the Framework. By taking part, you will experience the tools first‑hand while directly shaping their content, language and usability.
Pilot participants will:
- Join a series of facilitated career‑development workshops (at least one in‑person, plus online sessions)
- Use the Framework materials for self‑assessment and action planning
- Take part in guided reflective exercises aligned to CPD
- Provide feedback to refine the content, presentation and practical application.
Help us create a resource that works for every osteopath, at every stage of their career.
Together, we can co‑create a Framework that celebrates the breadth of osteopathic practice, strengthens our professional voice and supports your development, now and throughout your career.
Take part at an iO Roadshow
Join us at an upcoming iO Roadshow and take part in this exciting pilot. At these in‑person CPD workshops, you’ll explore the Framework, try the tools, work through real case studies, and directly shape a resource built to support your professional growth.
By joining the pilot, you’ll also earn free CPD while helping us refine a tool designed for every osteopath, in every context of practice.
Be part of the build; your input matters.
“This Framework is being built for you to support your confidence, your growth and your journey as an osteopath. Your insight will shape it, and together we create a resource that genuinely helps you thrive”.