Podiatrist
Podiatrists specialise in the foot, ankle and leg, leading the patient care through the whole journey including prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Podiatrists work in a variety of places and can work with a team of people including doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.
A Podiatrist’s primary aim is to improve the mobility, independence and quality of life for their patients.
Podiatrists working in primary care can support patients with a wide range of conditions including Diabetes and Rheumatology as well as wound care.
Career Pathway
To practise as a podiatrist, you must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). To register with the HCPC, you first need to successfully complete approved degree-level training in podiatry.
You can train through an approved full-time or part-time pre-registration university course in podiatry or a degree apprenticeship in podiatry.
- Career opportunities
- https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/allied-health-professionals/roles-allied-health-professions/podiatrist
Training Opportunities
Is there any recruitment funding available to Primary Care Networks?
This is a role that is included in the Additional Roles Recruitment Scheme from April 2020. Primary Care Networks may therefore be able to access funding via BSW ICB to cover salary and on-costs. You can find out more about the scheme and workforce planning by contacting the Development Partners who work in the ICB’s Primary Care Team and by referring to the information in the links below:
- Update to the GP Contract Agreement – NHS England
- Network Contract DES Contract Specification 2024-25 – NHS England
Information for employers
Here is a useful guide produced by NHS Employers for employers or potential employers:
Funding for Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Funding for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), Registered Nurses and Nursing Associates is provided by NHS England and has been distributed directly to general practices and approved training providers for 2026/27.
Staff should discuss their learning and development needs with their line manager as part of the appraisal and personal development planning process. This will help identify training that supports both individual career development and service needs.
The BSW General Practice Guide to Development & Funding (June 2026) has been distributed to Practice Managers and should be used as the primary source of information regarding educational funding opportunities and application processes.
If you are interested in accessing development funding, please speak to your Practice Manager in the first instance. The Training Hub continues to work closely with practices and training providers to support workforce development across BSW.
Roadmap to Practice
A Roadmap to Practice is a supportive document that provides a clear educational pathway from undergraduate to advanced practice for clinicians wishing to pursue a career in primary care.
For further information about First Contact Practitioner Podiatrists click here