The Institute of Podiatrists

01/11/2025

26/10/2025

We are delighted to be registered with HM Revenue and Customs as an approved professional organisation and learned society (List 3) - meaning UK members can claim tax relief on their membership fees.

Full details in our communication to members or online here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/professional-bodies-approved-for-tax-relief-list-3

26/10/2025

Great day yesterday with another incredible group of passionate podiatrists and FHPs training on correction techniques and nail bracing systems chiropody

25/10/2025

Another sensational day of CPD training on nail correction techniques and bracing systems with queen of nails Gaynor Wooldridge

Thank you to our wonderful course delegates for your enthusiasm and engagement throughout the course. Hope to see you all again next time!

24/10/2025

Membership renewal is now fully digital for both UK and ROI members. Details have been sent to all members via email with full instructions of how to renew.

04/10/2025

An incredible day of Nail Reconstruction CPD delivered by our nail queen 👑

01/10/2025

Our Autumn issue of the Podiatry Review is hitting members doormats this week! 📮 All podiatry student members have today received their free digital copy 📲

It's another great read from many acclaimed authors with a focus on the role podiatry plays within sports ⚽️🤸‍♂️

30/09/2025

Institute of Podiatrists Position Statement
Using Botulinum Toxins in Podiatry
September 2025

Supporting Members in extending practice
The Institute has always championed and promoted and in many cases taught, extensions of practice in podiatry and we continue to do so. Such taught extensions of practice often include the use and administration of medical devices, pharmacy only medicines, prescription only medicines and controlled drugs. At all times we follow both the spirit and also letter of UK law, and ensure that where we provide training in medicines, drugs and devices that the Institute tutors providing such training are experienced and knowledgeable in the items being taught, as well as legally permitted and registered to personally purchase, prescribe and administer the items being taught.

Guidance on using Toxins in Podiatry
Toxins such as Botox® are, quite rightly, only available via a prescription by a qualified prescriber who must also ensure they strictly follow the law on prescribing which is very clear. The practice of obtaining these by non-prescribers collaborating with a ‘remote prescriber’ is universally criticised by professional bodies which include the General Medical Council, the Care Quality Commission, the Royal College of General Practitioners, the General Pharmaceutical Council and the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners. The Institute of Podiatrists agrees entirely with the foregoing (and other) august professional bodies stance on this matter, and we unreservedly add our voice to theirs.

Professional body consensus on non face-to-face prescribing
The remote prescribing of botulinum toxins in particular is a deeply concerning and dangerous practice that poses a serious threat to patient safety. This model allows non-prescribers to administer a powerful prescription-only medicine without a direct, in-person consultation with a qualified medical professional. This crucial disconnect removes the opportunity for a thorough physical assessment and a proper evaluation of a patient's medical history, leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes. By relying solely on a remote exchange, the prescribing clinician is blind to the subtle but vital cues that can signal contraindications and is unable to adequately assess a patient's suitability for the procedure. This not only opens the door to inappropriate administration but also leaves the patient vulnerable to serious complications with no immediate medical oversight.

Duty of safe and legal practice
In cases where Institute members are involved in the above it must be understood that any failure of a member to adhere strictly to all relevant laws and regulations would certainly be accounted by ourselves, our insurers and almost certainly by the HCPC, as impairment of practice with potential HCPC deregistration and withdrawal of IOP membership and the protection and insurance cover thereof.

Forward Podiatry!
The Institute and its representative officers were key contributor to the Department of Health project that was set up earlier this century to design and implement independent prescribing by podiatrists, we also consulted in the design of the Single National Prescribing Framework for all Prescribers. The years of work and effort put in by your professional body in respect of the above could be destroyed very easily by even a single widely publicised adverse event involving remote prescribing and administration of prescription only medicines by a non-prescriber to which they are not specifically licensed to purchase or administer. It should also be pointed out that we do not recognise, or insure, any training in administration or use of non-exempted (i.e. Not POM-A or POM-S) prescription only medicines that is not carried out by qualified Institute Tutors who are themselves registered Independent Prescribers.

Personal safe and legal skills development
Members are advised and reminded that we as an organisation unreservedly offer support and guidance to those members wishing to embark on training as an independent prescriber. Our partnership with the University of Wolverhampton gives you access to one of the UK’s finest Allied Health prescribing courses and Institute independent prescribers are available to give unstinting advice on the acquisition of this very useful skill.

26/09/2025

This morning, Institute members received an email statement regarding the use of Botulinum Toxins in podiatry. Our statement will be available to the wider profession shortly.

16/09/2025

This 1-day Podiatric Acupuncture course provides HCPC-registered podiatrists, chiropodists, physiotherapists, doctors, nurses, and chiropractors with evidence-based training in Western acupuncture (dry needling).

The course explores when and how to safely and effectively integrate acupuncture into clinical practice, whether as a stand-alone intervention or alongside other treatment modalities.
Delegates will gain practical skills to support patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and circulatory disorders, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, shin splints, calf cramps, arthritic pain, neuropathic pain, neuromas, and ulcers.

An introduction to Electroacupuncture is also included, broadening the scope of clinical application.

👉For full course details and to register visit: https://www.iop-uk.org/courses/podiatric-acupuncture.aspx