To our members 

I have now finished my time as Chair of Council, and I wanted to take a moment to write to you to say a heartfelt thank you. 

It has been such a joy and a privilege to serve as your Chair. It was humbling that you placed your confidence in me. 

Our transformation

Looking back, what hits me the most is just how much has changed as the College goes through its considerable transformation. 

The work is remedying so much. How we support and represent our members, how we effectively promote podiatry, how we develop our workforce, strengthen our governance and invest in the systems and services that will help improve the organisation for years to come. 

You will have seen and felt some of that change. We have invested in raising the profile of podiatry, strengthened our careers and outreach work and seen encouraging signs of growth in applications to podiatry courses. We have reimagined our awards, developed new approaches to professional learning and launched The New Podiatrist as a new way of sharing news, ideas and professional knowledge. 

Unseen work

Other work you will not have yet seen but is no less important. Reforming our governance and financial oversight. Our digital transformation to finally give you the infrastructure and services you deserve. And the work to strengthen the College’s structures. 

These things may not always make the headlines, but they are essential foundational work if the College is to be fit for the future. 

Your commitment has been vital

Throughout all this, our ambition remains the same. To build the profession up and to make sure the College is there for its members. 

That work has only been possible because of your commitment. 

Whether you have volunteered your time, represented colleagues in the workplace, contributed to a committee or Special Advisory Group, shared your expertise, attended a College event, responded to a consultation or simply continued to support and engage with the College, I want you to know that you have played a huge part in our change already. 

And I want to encourage you to continue to do that. Thank you. 

Supportive colleagues

I also want to thank the many colleagues, volunteers, Council members and staff who have worked alongside me.

The College is a member organisation and a trade union in the truest sense. Any strength we have comes from the energy and expertise of our people. I will always be so grateful to all of you who continue to believe in – and give your time to – it. 

Optimism for the future

Yes, there have been challenges. And this sort of change is rarely straightforward. I will be the first to admit that not every part of our journey has been easy. 

But I am proud of what we have done so far. And perhaps more importantly, I am incredibly optimistic about what follows. 

I am particularly pleased that I will not be saying goodbye to the College. I was re-elected earlier this year, so I will continue to serve on Council and contribute to the College’s work from around the Council table. 

Passing on the baton

I am delighted that Emma Noe will now take on the role of Chair. Emma has been a brilliant member of Council – and the College – for many years. She brings considerable experience, energy and understanding of the profession to the role. 

I look forward to supporting her agenda, and I know she will lead the College with both ambition and care. 

There is a lot to do. Our modernising work to support you and give podiatry the voice it deserves will continue. 

And I hope you will continue to be a part of that. 

Thank you for your trust and support during my time as Chair. Above all, thank you for everything you do for podiatry and for the people whose lives are improved by our profession every day. 

With very best wishes, 

Professor Jane McAdam
Immediate Past Chair of Council
Royal College of Podiatry 

A welcome from Emma Noe, Chair of Council 

Thank you, Jane, and hello everyone. 

It is a huge privilege to take on the role of Chair of Council. There are some nerves – and some very big shoes to fill – but more than anything I am excited about what we can achieve together. 

One of my priorities will be bringing our community of practice closer together. Whether you work in the NHS, independent practice or elsewhere, we are one profession, working for the good of the patients and communities we serve. 

I want us to break down barriers, learn from each other and support podiatrists to make a difference in their local communities. 

I feel incredibly supported by Council and the College team as I begin the role, and I look forward to working with you. 

Join us at Podiatry 2026 

On 26 to 27 November, the Royal College is hosting Podiatry 2026 at the ICC Birmingham, bringing practising clinicians, students, academics and leaders together. 

The RCPod Learning Academy Immersive Day follows on 28 November, offering members an additional day of hands-on learning and CPD. 

Early-bird tickets are available until Monday 31 August. 

I look forward to seeing you there. 

Emma Noe 
Chair of Council 
Royal College of Podiatry