24 January 2026 marks the International Day of Education, a global moment to recognise education as a fundamental human right. For perioperative practitioners, education is not only a pathway to personal development, but a cornerstone of patient safety, team effectiveness and high quality surgical care.
On its website the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) states that today 250 million children and youth are out of school, and 763 million adults are illiterate.
At The Association for Perioperative Practice (AfPP), education sits at the heart of everything we do. This International Day of Education is an opportunity to celebrate the commitment of perioperative practitioners to lifelong learning, and to highlight the wide range of educational opportunities AfPP provides to support practitioners at every stage of their career.
Why education matters in perioperative practice
Perioperative environments are complex, fast paced and constantly evolving. Advances in technology, changing patient needs, new standards and emerging evidence all require practitioners to continually update their knowledge and skills. High quality education supports:
- Patient safety and quality of care through evidence based practice
- Professional confidence and competence across all perioperative roles
- Workforce wellbeing and retention by enabling career progression
- Collaborative, respectful teams that learn and improve together
Education is not a one off milestone, but a lifelong journey, one that AfPP is proud to champion.
AfPP education: supporting learning across the career pathway
AfPP offers a comprehensive portfolio of education designed specifically for perioperative practitioners, whether they are new to the profession, returning to practice, or seeking to advance into specialist, leadership or educator roles.
Conferences
AfPP’s Annual National Conference and Regional Conferences bring the perioperative community together to learn, share and connect. These events showcase best practice, innovation and lived experience, while creating valuable opportunities for networking, reflection and professional inspiration.
This year’s Annual National Conference, which offers 13.5 CPD hours, is at Wyboston Lakes Resort, Bedfordshire, Friday 7 – Saturday August 8 2026. Tickets are available from £90.
Regional Conferences, offering 5 CPD hours, are being held throughout the year:
- 25 April Birmingham
- 16 May Cambridge
- 20 June Manchester
- 18 July Bristol
- 12 September London
- 14 November Edinburgh
These are priced at £25 per member and £50 per non-member.
Symposium Series
The AfPP Symposium series brings together leading academics, researchers, and healthcare professionals to explore key advancements in perioperative practice and surgical innovation. These events provide a platform for thorough examination, knowledge exchange, and critical analysis of emerging technologies and best practices in the field.
Each Symposium event offers 5 CPD hours, and are priced at £50 per member and £100 per non-member.
- Emergencies and Trauma Symposium – 5 March 2026, London
- Human Factors Symposium – 8 October 2026, North of England (launch March)
Online learning and webinars
Recognising the demands of modern healthcare, AfPP provides flexible online learning opportunities, including webinars, which take place on a Saturday morning and mid-week, and digital resources. These enable practitioners to access education regardless of location or shift patterns, supporting inclusive and equitable learning.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
AfPP supports ongoing CPD through resources, guidance and opportunities that help practitioners meet professional requirements and maintain high standards of practice. Lifelong learning is embedded into AfPP membership, reinforcing education as a professional responsibility and a shared value.
Publications and EBSCOhost e-Book Library Collection
AfPP supports perioperative professionals with a curated suite of publications tailored to daily clinical challenges, professional learning, leadership development, and career progression. Alongside this, the EBSCOhost e-Book Library Collection, included as an AfPP member benefit, expands access to a broad range of clinical and academic e-books. Together, these resources offer a structured, flexible, and rich educational ecosystem for perioperative practitioners.
Education that reflects AfPP values
AfPP’s educational approach is grounded in its commitment to safe, respectful and collaborative perioperative environments. Learning is not only about technical skill, but about behaviours, communication and teamwork. By embedding these principles into education, AfPP helps practitioners create cultures where patients and staff feel safe, valued and heard.
Reflecting on the importance of education in perioperative practice, Emma Graham, AfPP Head of Department Clinical, Publications, Education and Professional Services, said: “Education underpins everything we do in perioperative practice. It empowers practitioners to deliver safe, effective and compassionate care, supports professional confidence, and helps teams adapt to the ever changing demands of healthcare. At AfPP, we are committed to providing education that is accessible, evidence based and rooted in the realities of clinical practice.”
Education also plays a key role in reducing variation in practice, promoting inclusion and ensuring that perioperative care continues to evolve in line with evidence and patient expectations.
Celebrating learners and educators
On this International Day of Education, AfPP celebrates:
- Perioperative practitioners who invest time and energy into developing their knowledge and skills
- Educators, mentors and faculty who share their expertise and support others to grow
- Teams and organisations that champion learning as a driver of safety and excellence
Every course completed, every event attended and every reflective conversation contributes to better outcomes for patients and stronger perioperative teams.
Looking ahead
As healthcare continues to face unprecedented challenges, the role of education has never been more important. AfPP remains committed to expanding and enhancing its educational offer, ensuring it remains relevant, accessible and responsive to the needs of the perioperative workforce.
This International Day of Education, AfPP reaffirms its belief that education empowers practitioners, strengthens teams and ultimately saves lives. Together, through learning, we shape the future of perioperative practice.
Find out more about AfPP education and professional development opportunities at www.afpp.org.uk.