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ARMA Newsletter March 2025
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Getting it right for MSK – a win for everyone
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I'm writing this at the end of a busy week with the launch of our latest ICB report and three significant Government announcements about the NHS. I’m reflecting on what it means for addressing the issues raised by our analysis of ICB Joint Forward plans.
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The report highlights that ICBs are not paying sufficient attention to MSK at a strategic level. The majority either don’t consider it at all or focus only on one or two parts of the system in silos. If we are to see the NHS deliver what we, and the Government, wants to see this needs to change.
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New ARMA Report - Analysis of ICBs’ Joint Forward Plans
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ARMA has carried out analysis of all Integrated Care Boards' (ICBs) Joint Forward Plans and published the findings in a new report which highlights critical gaps and opportunities to improve MSK and chronic pain services.
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MSK conditions are a major driver of long-term disability, one of the two leading causes of people being unable to work due to ill health and their impact on individuals, the NHS and the economy is significant. Yet key findings of the report show that too many ICBs are still giving insufficient attention to MSK and chronic pain.
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- One in three ICBs make no meaningful reference to MSK, rheumatology or orthopaedics in their plans.
- Only one in five ICBs is taking a strategic system wide approach to delivery of MSK.
- Only one in five have any stated outcomes for the services they commission and only one in six have a target.
- Two thirds of ICBs make no meaningful reference to chronic pain services in their Joint Forward Plan and only one in six have any indication of the outcomes they expect those services to deliver.
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The report recommends that all ICBs should ensure that a strategic, cross system approach is taken to delivering and improving MSK services, with clear outcomes for the services they commission.
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By investing in well-integrated, outcome-driven MSK and pain management services, ICBs can improve individual health, enhance system efficiency, and support economic productivity.
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Join the MSK Health inequalities community of practice
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- Are you working to tackle inequalities in musculoskeletal health?
- Do you want to connect with others who are facing the same challenges and are finding solutions?
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Then ARMA’s community of practice is for you.
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The first meeting will be on 6 May 2025, 12.30 - 1.30pm
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How it works:
Join us for monthly interactive Zoom sessions, where we bring together everyone committed to reducing MSK health inequalities. Each session includes:
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✅ Presentations on key issues and innovative approaches
✅ Lively discussions in small groups to share experiences and strategies
✅ Peer support from others facing similar challenges
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Who Should Join?
This community is for anyone working to reduce MSK health inequalities. If you're looking for collaboration, fresh ideas, and mutual support, you’ll find them here.
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You will be registered for the series and will receive reminders each month. If you don’t receive a confirmation email on registration you may need to check your spam filter, contact your IT department or use a different email address to register.
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Be part of a growing movement to create fairer MSK health outcomes. Join today!
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Apply to be Chief Executive Officer of ARMA
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Chief Executive Officer
Salary: £52,000 – £55,000
for 28 hours per week
(Equivalent to £68,750 full time)
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A brilliant opportunity to lead a small charity delivering impact where it matters for people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.
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The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) exists to improve MSK services in the UK. We are a membership organisation which brings together patient, research and healthcare professional organisations working in MSK health. Working together as an alliance we have a powerful voice to influence policy and improve standards of care across the UK.
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Members' news
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ORUK Launches MSK Innovation Community
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Orthopaedic Research UK (ORUK) has established a community for people and institutions interested in innovation within MSK health. The Joint Venture: MSK Innovation Network was launched at an Unlocking innovation in musculoskeletal health event, hosted by ORUK.
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NASS Supported self-management sessions in Wales
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Healthcare professionals in Wales can now signpost their axial SpA patients to a free course of online and in-person self-management sessions. Patients will leave these sessions with more knowledge and confidence to manage their symptoms, with a welcoming community for long-term support.
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Right Treatment: Right Time Annual Conference
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Hear from leading experts in the world of psoriasis treatment and care at The Psoriasis Association’s Right Treatment: Right Time Annual Conference 2025. Taking place on Saturday 28th June 2025 at the County Hall in London, Belvedere Road (SE1 7PB), CPD accreditation has been applied for this event.
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NRAS Live: What's new in RA research?
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Join the NRAS Live session on Wednesday 26th March 2025, for a live chat between founder of NRAS, Ailsa Bosworth, MBE and Professor Abhishek.
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Professor Abhishek will be speaking about research within the rheumatology space, specifically touching on areas such as treatment approaches, drug safety and vaccinations (Flu, RSV, COVID). You can submit your questions for the discussion via this link.
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JIA Explained booklet now in Welsh
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JIA Wedi’i Egluro, bellach ar gael yn Gymraegkar!
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NRAS has now made available their JIA Explained booklet as a free download in Welsh – thanks to the support from the Millenium Stadium Trust and the translation work by The Big Word. This newly translated resource is part of a wider project to make NRAS publications as inclusive and accessible as possible.
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Ensuring the success of Fracture Liaison Services
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New Fracture Liaison Services programme launching in 2025
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The ROS is increasing resources for the Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) rollout in 2025. The Society will play an ambitious, pro-active role in the rollout of FLS in England. This reflects the critical importance of these secondary prevention services in closing the care gap. The ROS wants to achieve this change while continuing to campaign for 100% coverage of FLS across all four UK nations.
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MSK Digital self-management support webinar
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Webinar: How Local Health Systems Can Leverage MSK Digital Self-Management to Support Return to Work
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Join getUBetter for a live webinar with Frimley ICS as they share their insights from implementing digital self-management for common MSK conditions across their entire system. Learn how this approach is benefiting the local health system but also supporting the Working Well agenda.
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Lupus UK Strategy insight surveys and focus groups
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Lupus UK is conducting surveys and focus groups to develop their aims and priorities for the next 5 years. They want to hear from the whole lupus community about what you want and need, including people living with lupus and those who support them personally or professionally.
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Your voice matters, and Lupus UK is are listening.
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NOA webinar Addressing Barriers to Orthopaedics Careers
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17 April 2025, 10am-11:15am
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Colleagues from member organisations are invited to join the NOA for a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the NOA Workforce Network, focusing on how we can remove barriers to building a diverse and inclusive orthopaedic workforce. The panel of experts will discuss topics including ethnicity, diversity in training, women in orthopaedics, sustainability, and flexible training.
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Finalists announced for Excellence in Orthopaedics Awards
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The NOA has revealed finalists for the 2025 NOA Excellence in Orthopaedics Awards, recognising outstanding contributions in orthopaedics. Winners will be announced at the NOA Annual Members' Conference and Awards on 15 May 2025 in Birmingham.
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The CPD certified conference, free for NOA members, brings together clinicians and healthcare professionals for a day of knowledge sharing, networking, and celebrating achievements.
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Updated - Patient Voices in Rheumatology
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27th June 2025
The University of Chicago Booth, London
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This one-day conference represents novel approach from the BSR education committee to bring a different type of expert to the lectern as part of a new format that uses patient stories and perspectives to deliver a fresh narrative to clinical learning. These key areas are often neglected when it comes to one-day conference represents novel approach from the BSR education committee to bring a different type of expert to the lectern as part of a new format that uses patient stories and perspectives to deliver a fresh narrative to clinical learning.
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ARMA Calendar
| 19 March 2025, 6:30-8:30pm |
Webinar: Is it inflammatory arthritis or fibromyalgia syndrome? |
| 20 March 2025, 12:30pm-1:30pm |
getUBetter MSK digital self-management webinar |
| 24 March 2025 |
ORUK Training Orthopaedic Trainers course |
| 26 March 2025 |
NRAS Live: What's new in RA research? |
| 27 March 2025, 10am |
Deadline for ARMA CEO job applications |
| 15 April 2025 |
FSEM Diploma in Team Care exam |
| 17 April 2025, 10am-11:15am |
NOA webinar Addressing Barriers to Orthopaedics Careers |
| 18 April 2025 |
FSEM Diploma in MSK Medicine applications close |
| 30 April 2025, 6-9pm |
Versus Arthritis webinar: MSK Bitesize |
| 2 May 2025 |
Early bird 20% discount ends Patient Voices in Rheumatology |
| 6 May 2025, 12.30pm |
First meeting of ARMA’s MSK Health inequalities community of practice |
| 15 May 2025 |
NOA Annual Members' Conference, Birmingham |
| 20 May 2025 |
FSEM Diploma in MSK Medicine exam |
| 23 May 2025 |
NRAS Wear Purple for JIA |
| 27 June 2025 |
Patient Voices in Rheumatology (re-scheduled) |
| 27-29 June 2025 |
CCAA Family Support weekend, Hooke Court, Dorset |
| 28 June 2025 |
Psoriasis Association Right Treatment: Right Time Annual Conference |
| 26-28 September 2025 |
CCAA Family Support weekend, Hollowford, Peak District |
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We know that many people value our newsletter, webinars and the fact that we provide a voice for MSK health. We are increasingly asked: given that our membership is made up of organisations, how can an individual support ARMA? For this reason, we have set up a new supporter scheme.
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