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Join our Trade Union

The Royal College of Podiatry is the only trade union in the UK solely dedicated to representing podiatrists.
Representing the profession in negotiations on pay and conditions at national level.
The College campaigns to influence the issues that matter in the workplace.
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Working for you

How we can help you

The Royal College of Podiatry is an independent trade union listed with the Government's Certification Officer and subject to all aspects of industrial relations legislation. Being listed in this way means that we meet all the legal requirements of being a trade union. We operate on two levels:

National level

  • Negotiate with Government representatives and departments to influence Government policy in respect of employment and professional issues
  • Work to protect the employment rights of members
  • Produce information and guidance for members and local representatives to ensure those rights are maintained
  • Negotiate pay and conditions of service within the NHS
  • Work through the TUC to campaign for equal rights, equal pay, satisfactory working conditions and improved health and safety
  • Monitor and interpret the effects of employment legislation
  • Provide legal assistance and advice when appropriate
  • Organise education programmes for representatives

Local level

  • Provide individual support, advice and representation
  • Protect the employment rights of individuals and groups at work
  • Stay in contact with our members
  • Negotiate local terms and conditions such as car parking and overtime.

 

 

 

 

Campaigns

On behalf of our members, we are a collective voice lobbying and campaigning on issues affecting you and the profession. We are at the forefront of the debate, ensuring our members' views are heard loud and clear by politicians, policymakers and the public on issues relating to podiatry. By actively partaking in our campaigns you can help to raise the profile of podiatry and the rights of those working in the profession.
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Foot Health Week

Foot Health Week is an annual campaign designed to promote the importance of good foot health to the general public. You can find the latest resources to take part in Foot Health Week in the RCPod shop.

Take part in Foot Health Week
Pride

Pride March

Each year the Royal College of Podiatry celebrates Pride month and the equal treatment of all its members regardless of gender and sexual orientation by taking part in the Pride March.

How you can take part in Pride
TUC Congress

TUC Congress

We work to raise awareness and aspirations towards a career in podiatry. We can provide you with guidance and resources to help support you in your career. Inspiring tomorrow's podiatrists for shaping the future of podiatry.

Learn more about GMB

Consultations

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Meet your College Trade Union representatives

The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) was established in 1945 as the Society of Chiropodists. It was recognised as a negotiating body by the National Health Service in 1948, and registered as a trade union in 1978. The work we do is vital and affects the lives of members both in and away from the workplace. For further information, or to speak to your trade union representative, contact the Employment Relations Department by emailing employmentsupport@rcpod.org.uk.
Martin Furlong

Martin Furlong

Martin is the College's Head of Employment Relations and Professional Support. He has previously worked as a union officer in the airline industry, telecoms and the civil service before moving on to his current role covering members in the NHS and private healthcare.

Anwar Ali

Anwar Ali

As an Employment Relations Officer Anwar supports and advises members across England.

He is a law graduate with an array of experience from working in private legal firms and the trade union sector.

Katie Harwood

Katie Harwood

Katie qualifed as a podiatrist in 2002 and has worked both in the NHS and private practice. Katie is a Professional Support Officer. She is also a Board Director of the Labour Research Department and sits on the Women's TUC Committee representing the Royal College.

Become a representative of the Royal College of Podiatry

With your help we can continue to make the Royal College of Podiatry more effective as a union and responsive to the members you represent. Members need advice, support and information on their working conditions and you act as the important link between the member and the union.
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Trade Union Support

The College is also affiliated to the Trades Union Congress (including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales TUC) and the Allied Health Professions Federation, whilst also actively working with the GMB.
TUC

TUC

The TUC exists to make the working world a better place for everyone.

Bringing together more than 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions.

Learn more about the TUC

AHPF

AHPF

The Allied Health Professions Federation (AHPF) comprises twelve professional bodies representing Allied Health Professionals. The AHPF provides collective leadership and representation on common issues that impact its members' professions.

Learn more about the AHPF
GMB

GMB

For over 130 years the GMB has been run by members for members. All GMB reps get training on key areas such as employment law, how to represent fellow members in a grievance, and health and safety.

Learn more about the GMB

Case studies

We offer specialist support both to podiatrists who work in a private setting as well as those who run their own business and to those working in the NHS. Whatever your employment issue is, we have the answer and advice that you need. Read more about how we have supported our members.
Case studies
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