Protected in your career
We all know that real life never runs smoothly, so we are here to ensure that you have access to the right advice, guidance and support. Whatever the weather, we are here to help you.
Membership benefits to help you stay secure
Insurance
We are here when you need us most. Let us help support you through an insurance claim, complaint, workplace dispute or HCPC fitness to practice investigation. We hope you never need us in this way, but if you do our expert team is here to guide and support you through the process.Find out about our insurance cover
Personal injury
If you or a family member are unfortunate enough to suffer an injury at work, our legal team is there to see if you have a claim*. You keep 100% of the money awarded. In 2022, we secured just under £300k in compensation for members.
*For members in the UK
Free legal advice
As a member, you can obtain up to 30 minutes free telephone advice on any non-work-related legal matter. Our solicitors* offer confidential advice on criminal law, consumer law, property and land law, wills and trusts and more.
*For members in the UK
Standards and guidance
Protecting you to maintain the appropriate level of clinical practice to ensure patient safety. With detailed guidance and resources to ensure you are always up to date, reflecting any changes in legislation.
Wellbeing support services
Balancing everyday life, work and home can create pressures for all. Through Health Assured, all members can access a free confidential counselling helpline. Enjoy free access to the Health e-Hub app and online portal.
NHS support and pay
We stand with NHS staff, and especially NHS podiatrists. We will always be on your side and campaigning on your behalf for better pay, working conditions and support.
We are the only trade union in the UK solely dedicated to representing podiatrists
We help our members by negotiating agreements with employers on pay and conditions and discussing major changes in the workplace, such as pensions, redundancy, and TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings, Protection of Employment). We are here to discuss our members’ concerns with employers and support you by accompanying you in any disciplinary and grievance meetings. Being part of the RCPod means that you are entitled to legal advice from our experts, and we are on hand to give contractual advice when required.
Protecting you in practice
Our team of dedicated professional officers can assist you with any professional query you might have and guide you to the resources you need. As a trade union, we are passionate about helping members with any employment issue. We also know that many of you are employers yourselves. That’s why we ensure that you have access to the support you need.
Professional practice advice
We have staff dedicated to providing members with a range of guidance and support on all aspects of professional practice, including consent for treatment, data protection, clinical standards and HCPC issues.
Employer advice and guidance
When running your own practice, we ensure that you have the support and assistance to comply with employment law. With advice and guidance on the different aspects of employment, recruitment, contracts and more.
Membership promotion
As a part of your membership you will receive a certificate and badge to represent your association to the College. The College also provides additional schemes such as accredited practice and professionally approved.
Find out more
HCPC and you
Our members are all registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and we know you have obligations to the regulator. We know that sometimes it isn’t easy to know what to do. That’s why we are set up to help support you through the HCPC audit. If you are ever called before HCPC to answer a case against you, our support and guidance helps you manage the process.
HCPC audit
Every two years, the HCPC audits 2.5% of registered podiatrists on their CPD. We provide dedicated support to our members who are called for audit with advice on understanding the standards and the audit requirements and provide support and reassurance through the process until final submission. The College will be with you every step of the way.HCPC fitness to practice cases
If you are ever called before the HCPC to answer a case against you, we are there to help you through this worrying time. As soon as you receive notice of a case against you, we can offer support and advice about how to manage the process. We will provide you with professional and legal guidance, prepare you for a hearing and ensure that you have legal support throughout.
Arch Support
Arch Support is our benevolent fund. It provides assistance to our members and their dependents who are in need. The Board of Trustees approves grants for a variety of needs and also signposts members to other agencies and grant-giving charities.
Arch Support relies on donations from College members and branches, and income from its investments. It does not receive any monies from membership fees.