The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is a Trade Union and professional governing body for those who are qualified and registered as chiropodists and podiatrists. The society is for those who are qualified and practicing within the Untied Kingdom of which approximately 10,000 people within this trade are registered. This number not only includes those who are qualifies but students, private chiropodists and podiatrists and those working with the UK's NHS.
In terms of education the society plays a vital part as it monitors the education of this field as well as providing new opportunities for those already within the sector to develop thus gain access into different fields within the sector.
Examples of the societies faculties include the faculty of podiatric surgery, undergraduate education, clinical development and administration and podiatric medicine. The society has these four faculties in place as they understand that many budding podiatrists and chiropodists or even those who are experienced may one day want to change roles or specialize in a certain area of the industry.
There are many benefits to ones career and study should they become a member of the society of chiropodists and podiatrists these include the following:
• Provision of resources
The society provides its members with vital tools in order to help one be successful. These include conferences, career advice not just at the start of ones tuition but throughout their career, access to peer to peer networks, practice accreditation and free access to practice listings.
• Professional Support
The society recognizes that it is important to support professionals and students thus they provide access to official clinical, waste disposal and standards guidelines, assistance with professional issues, access to fellowship programs and courses that are organized by local organizations and by the society. Additionally they provide a ½ price discount for those members wishing to use the societies e-learning modules.
• Business Support
Once students have completed training or existing chiropodists want to run their own business, the society has some great resources for those members who wish to do this. Support for these members includes employment guidance, opportunity to access networks around the whole of the United Kingdom, advice on how to start a new business and advise on how it should be run and finally these members who start their own business can be listed on the societies public website.
• Trade Union Advice and Support
Additionally, members will be able to take advantage of legal assistance and advice via the society should they need it, they have the instant advantage of being part of an independent trade union, will have access to a network of Britian's health and safety reps and accredited staff.
These are just a handful of benefits available to members, contacting the society and browsing their website will reveal many more and provide even more details of each. Depending on the county one wishes to practice or learn in there are different governing bodies. Therefore if you are within the US or Australia you should contact your professional chiropodists body.