Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

Professions in the UK are well supported and regulated by a variety of authorities, and this is particularly true of healthcare professionals, each of whom will belong to a number of different organisations. Podiatrists (also known as chiropodists) are foot specialists who, upon qualification, register with the Health and Professions Council, usually shortened to the HPC. The HPC is a regulatory authority for a number of different healthcare professions, and as such podiatrists will also often belong to other institutions which provide support to the profession as a whole through a number of different roles. In this article we look at one such organization, the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, and what it offers its members.

Who are The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists?

Before 1938, there were over 20 different institutions responsible for representing podiatrists in the UK. Over the following years, many of these organizations came together to unify and better represent podiatric interests here in the UK. The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists as it is known today was given its existing title in January of 1997, up until that point it was known as The Institute of Chiropodists.


The Institute is run by officials chosen by members through an annual vote. Representatives are selected on both the local and national level to allow for the effective representation of podiatrists across the country. Issues can be raised through these representatives, and ultimately the society is an independent body working for both podiatrists and the general public.

Why become a member of The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists?

The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is one of three main professional bodies dedicated to podiatry and foot care as a whole, the others being the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists and The British Chiropody and Podiatry Association.

The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists offers its members a number of benefits, not the least of which is recognition as part of an organization responsible for ensuring that podiatrists work to high standards in all area of their practice. The Institute offers membership to podiatrists working privately or in the NHS.

The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists is an organization that closely watches and partakes in any legislative action concerning podiatrists in the UK. Members are kept informed of such changes, and the Institute is known to step in on behalf of its members to ensure that legislation is beneficial to both the public and the practice of podiatry.

Regular conferences run by the Institute allow for important educational and networking for podiatrists across the country.

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