Join our Trade Union
Representing the profession in negotiations on pay and conditions at national level, the College campaigns to influence the issues that matter in the workplace.
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.
Trade union role in negotiating NHS pay
When a pay offer is received, one of the key roles of the trade union wing of the Royal College of Podiatry is to consult with members on the pay offer, by email and via our trade union work place representatives.
News of pay offers are placed on our news pages and social media accounts.
Consultations
Meet your College Trade Union representatives
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.
Diana Scott-Brown
Di is one of our Employment Relations Officers, with responsibility for Wales, Southeast/South central England, London, North East Yorkshire and Humber, and Essex.
She is the National Lead for Wales and for Equalities; she is also an active member of the RCPod EDI group.
Di represents the College on the Welsh TUC and chairs the Welsh TUC Women's Committee. She is also a member of the main TUC Women's Committee.
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.
Graham Pirie
Graham is one of RCPod's three Employment Relations, with responsibility for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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
Trade Union Support
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.
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
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