Background to our strategy
The Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) is at a crucial junction in its history. The events of the last two years, notably the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent social changes, provide a new and undeniable context to our work as an organisation.
The Saks Report
Strategy 2022-25
Research and data
Recruitment and retention
Influencing
Perception.
Our five strategic themes
Leadership
This strategic theme focuses on creating future pioneers and embedding a sustainable approach to future-proof leadership in the profession. It also supports current podiatry leaders in all sectors to realise their maximum potential. RCPod wants podiatrists in leadership positions to ensure a podiatric voice in decision-making so that the benefits and impact of podiatry are understood as widely as possible.
Research and data
To maintain our role as the leading authority concerning the foot and lower limb, RCPod needs to build robust cases for support and have clear evidence and data to show podiatry's impact and the work of podiatrists. Building the research and data capacity to advocate for podiatry effectively is one of our key aims.
Recruitment and retention
This strategic theme focuses on recruitment and retention in podiatry. We will work with our key stakeholders in health and public bodies to encourage people to become podiatrists. An equally important mission is to create the conditions for podiatrists to stay in the profession. We will regularly monitor how different parts of the supply pipeline perform and identify where additional support and resource is needed.
Influencing
The focus of this strategic theme is to ensure that RCPod, and the profession, can increase their influence; through the political, educational and service delivery systems to enable a sustainable pipeline of podiatrists to deliver safe, preventative care. It will aim to increase the presence of podiatry with the public whilst spreading RCPod’s influence in healthcare. It aims to equip RCPod with sufficient data and evidence to maintain a presence.
Perception
This strategic theme focuses on the perception of podiatry. A core aim is to look at what different sections of society think about the profession. These groups include the public, other healthcare professionals and practising podiatrists themselves. The main goal of this theme is to take significant steps to change the image of podiatry for the better and for the role it can have in people's lives to be fully understood.