Volunteer Employment Support Committee (ESC) Member

Location: UK-wide (meetings primarily online)
Commitment: Minimum three meetings per uyear
Term: Three years (renewable once)

Shape the future of employment support for podiatrists across the UK

The Royal College of Podiatry is seeking passionate and committed members to join our Employment Support Committee (ESC) - a strategic committee that plays a vital role in championing trade union activity, workplace representation, and employment-related guidance for podiatrists across the NHS, private practice, and independent sectors.

If you care deeply about fair employment practices, supporting colleagues, and strengthening the professional voice of podiatry, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful national impact.

About the role

As a member of the ESC, you will help steer the College’s work on trade union and employment support issues. You will contribute to high-level policy discussions, support workplace representatives, and help shape the College’s approach to negotiations, recognition, and member advocacy.

This is a strategic, non-operational role focused on direction, oversight, and decision-making.

What you'll do

• Provide strategic leadership on employment and trade union matters affecting podiatrists
• Oversee the support, training and development of workplace representatives across the UK
• Inform policy on terms and conditions of employment for members in recognised settings
• Support employment guidance for members in private and independent practice
• Review reports from relevant panels and networks, including Health & Safety, Wellbeing, and the Managers Network
• Contribute to strengthening relationships with UK TUC bodies and other trade union partners
• Work collaboratively with other College committees to ensure joined-up decision-making

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from across the membership, including:

NHS workplace representatives

Eight places are available for elected NHS workplace reps (one per region). To be eligible, you must:

• Be a fully paid-up College member
• Hold an elected NHS workplace rep position
• Work within the region you wish to represent

Other College members

Up to six additional members may be appointed to ensure broad representation - for example:

• Independent practice (employee/associate)
• Students/recent graduates
• Private providers (ie, BUPA)
• Members who work in university/education

Why join the ESC?

• Influence national policy and strategy for podiatrist employment issues
• Develop leadership, governance, and industrial relations experience
• Support and empower the UK’s podiatry workforce
• Gain exposure to high-level decision-making within the College
• Work alongside dedicated colleagues committed to advancing the profession

Time commitment and meetings

• Minimum of three meetings per year, primarily online
• Up to one in-person meeting annually (expenses reimbursed in line with policy)
• Additional discussions and decisions may take place via email

Term of appointment

• Three-year term, renewable once (maximum six years)
• Ongoing participation is subject to meeting expectations under the College’s Code of Conduct

Download the full job description here 

How to apply

If you’re passionate about employment rights, representation, and improving working lives across the profession, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit an expression of interest by completing this form: The Royal College of Podiatry Committee Members application form

For these positions you do not need to submit a CV.

Closing date: 12 April 2026