College Committees
Our top tier committees oversee the organisation's work to set the strategies for their areas and, where necessary, feed directly into Council for any further discussions or decision-making.
Clinical Senate
Chair: Martin Fox
Other Council champions: Matthew Cichero
The Clinical Senate is set up to develop a sustainable, educated workforce across foot health - from the support workforce through to consultant level in both medicine and surgery. A fundamental part of this work is supporting the undergraduate and pre-registration education. Clinical Senate works with providers to support the podiatrists of the future. Its function is to help the workforce meet the demands placed on it and creating the next generation of leaders in podiatry.
The Senate devises strategies on all matters relating to pre- and post-qualification education, and the clinical and professional practice of podiatrists and support workers.
Finance Committee
Chair: Alison Wishart
Other Council champions: Adam Smith
The Finance Committee sets, drives and reviews the College's financial strategic direction. It works in line with the strategic aims and objectives that are approved by Council.
The Committee provides a robust review of all income and expenditure streams. It links into the Membership Committee to review the membership targets and any changes to the membership categories.
The Finance Committee reviews the membership insurance cover (called the 'captive'). The review considers the costs incurred and the patterns and trends produced. The outputs help to inform the organisation's clinical and employment relations teams.
Additionally, the Committee looks at commercial opportunities and diversifying the College's income streams. Examples include partnerships and sponsorships.
The Committee provides oversight and direction of the College's finances and resources to ensure a fit-for-purpose and value-for-money member service.
Membership Committee
Chair: Tom Kelly
Other Council champions: George Dunn
The Committee provides oversight and direction to ensure that the benefits, support and services provided to members are fit-for-purpose. It looks at existing and new benefits and their relevance to all members, considering members' needs in areas including:
- Private and independent practice
- NHS/healthcare services
- Academia and research
- New graduates
- Assistant practitioners
The Committee makes sure that all members can receive the support and benefits that are specifically relevant to them. For example, business-related support for those in private/independent practice, or advice/guidance on starting your career for new graduates.
It also oversees the Members' Forum. This is an annual event that allows the wider membership to engage with the Membership Committee and Council.
All Regional Branch Chairs have a seat on this Committee, as do the Chairs of the Student Committee and the Independent Practice Group.
Employment Support Committee
Chair: Alister Campbell
Other Council champions:
The Employment Support Committee has overall responsibility for all trade union matters. This embraces all matters relating to podiatry employment in the NHS and private sector. This includes NHS pay in all four nations. It also sets out the strategy for supporting our members' terms and conditions wherever they work.
The committee deals with all trade union and employment support matters that affect the membership in all areas of podiatry.
The Royal College is both a professional body and trade union. It seeks to expand the influence of the trade union side of the College. It works to cover any organisation in the UK and employs podiatrists by seeking formal trade union recognition.
It provides guidance, training and support to members in private practice on all employment issues both as employees, associates and employers. It also helps private practices have access to the support they need on employment issues to run their businesses effectively.