VOLUNTEER ROLE: Conference Chair-elect

Role description and purpose

To Chair the Royal College of Podiatry (RCPod) Annual Conference and the Annual Conference Committee, which is responsible for planning the event. There are three elements to the role in the duration of the post:

• Year 1 Conference Chair-elect for one year (2025), opportunity to learn and shadow current chair
• Year 2 Conference Chair (2026)
• Year 3 Conference Chair and mentoring Chair-elect (2027)

Term

Three years: one year as Chair-elect and up to two years as Conference Chair.

Scope and Responsibilities

Working with the RCPod staff team, the Conference Chair is responsible for oversight of the planning and delivery of the RCPod annual conference programme and for chairing the event over the three days.

Key responsibilities

• Chair the Conference Programme Planning Group meetings (2 hours per month)
• Work with the Conference Programme Planning Group, RCPod staff team, committees, and clinical leadership to create the programme for the event
• Ensuring the Conference Programme represents the whole profession and is diverse and inclusive
• Work with the Communications team to develop the theme and input into the communication strategy for the event
• Chair the Conference (3 days)
• Mentor the Chair-elect.

Person Specification

Education

• Holder of a BSc (Hons) degree in Podiatry/Podiatric Medicine or relevant Master’s degree (if the applicant has a DPodM) with active HCPC registration
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD).

Experience

• Experience in chairing meetings/groups
• Experience in conference programme planning
• Experience in managing conflicting agendas
• Experience in working to deadlines.

Knowledge

• Up-to-date knowledge of podiatric practice
• Knowledge of research process
• High-level written and verbal communication skills commensurate with a professional role in a public-facing organisation
• Ability to persuade and influence across differing levels and in different environments
• Knowledge of political, educational, clinical, employment and professional issues relating to podiatry and wider health care
• Understand the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.

To note this is an unpaid voluntary role but any reasonable out of pocket expenses, travel and accommodation required in relation to role will be reimbursed.

Application process

Applicants will need to submit a one page (maximum 500 words) covering statement outlining why they would like to be Chair and the relevant skills and experience they would bring to the role, along with their CV, by the closing date of 8 December 2024. Applications should be sent to natasha.smith@rcpod.org.uk; any received after the closing date will not be reviewed.

Selection process

All applications will be reviewed against the job description and those that most closely meet the criteria will be shortlisted for interview.

Interview panel

The interview panel will be made up of the Current Conference Chair, Chair of Clinical Senate, Director of Membership and Events and Awards Manager.

Interviews will be carried out via Teams. The interview will include structures, competence-based questions and allow an opportunity for candidates to ask questions. Notes will be taken, so that feedback can be provided, if requested by unsuccessful candidates.

Appointment

The candidate appointed to the role will receive a full induction to help them understand the roles and responsibilities more fully, to meet the relevant staff and stakeholders and spend time with the current Conference Chair.