I'm looking forward to chairing my first Council meeting at the end of October. 

It's our final meeting of 2026, and there's a substantial agenda ahead of us. We've made no secret of the work still to be done as the College continues its transformation. But I'm excited about what we can achieve together. 

When I became Chair, I spoke about wanting to bring our profession closer together. Whether you work in the NHS, independent practice or elsewhere, I believe we have much to learn from one another. 

And that starts with listening. 

Tell us how you feel 

We've recently invited members to take part in a consultation about the future of local engagement. 

It's the first step in a wider programme of work to understand what members need and expect from the College, both now and in the future. 

We want to understand what you value about local engagement, what could work better and what support and opportunities you'd like to see in the years ahead. 

I'm particularly keen to hear from members who don't usually get involved in these conversations. Everybody's experience is different, and everybody's opinion matters. 

The more members who take part, the better we can understand what local engagement should look like in the future. 

You should have received an email from feedback@rcpod.org.uk containing your personal consultation link. If you haven't received it, please contact that address for assistance. 

The consultation will remain open until at least 2 November, so please take the opportunity to tell us what you think. 

Learning to lead 

I've greatly enjoyed my early days as Chair. The kind words and encouragement I've received from my colleagues on Council have made settling into the role that much easier. 

Traditionally, we come together for two days in October. One is devoted to our usual Council meeting. The other is set aside for Council development and training. 

This year, we'll be spending that day exploring how we can lead through influence. I'm particularly looking forward to learning alongside my Council colleagues and thinking about how we can put those skills into practice. 

I've also been working closely with the College's teams to finalise our agenda and training programme. 

There's plenty for us to discuss. We'll be looking at how we take forward the resolutions passed at this year's AGM, alongside the College's governance, education and training commitments, campaigning work, and wider digital and operational transformation. 

TUC Congress 

You might already have read our dispatch from this year's TUC Congress. 

I travelled to Brighton to spend time with our members who were representing the College and speaking on issues that matter to podiatrists and the wider workforce. 

It was an enlightening few days. 

One of the things that struck me was the value of bringing people from different professions and workplaces together to talk about the challenges they share. The respectful discussions, with a focus on improving conditions for all, was inspiring. 

I was particularly proud to see our members speaking so passionately about NHS pay, protecting hard-won employment rights, safe staffing in the NHS and protections for fully self-employed workers. These are issues that affect people's working lives, their livelihoods and their ability to provide the care their patients need. 

It was also a privilege to support our Deputy General Secretary, Martin Furlong, at his final Congress before retirement, and to see our CEO and General Secretary, Jane Pritchard, elected to the TUC General Council. An absolute testament to the high standard of input our organisation contributes to the trade union movement. 

For me, attending Congress was also an opportunity to listen. To hear what matters to other healthcare workers, understand the challenges they face and see how the wider trade union movement can work together to make a difference. 

It's important that podiatry has a voice in those conversations. 

Join us at Podiatry 2026 

One of the things I'm most looking forward to over the coming weeks is seeing members come together at Podiatry 2026. 

On Thursday 26 and Friday 27 November, the Royal College will host its annual conference at the ICC Birmingham, bringing together practising clinicians, students, academics and leaders from across the profession. 

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

For me, conference is about more than the programme. It's an opportunity to meet colleagues, share experiences, learn from one another and make connections that continue long after the event itself. 

That's particularly important when we're thinking about how to bring our profession closer together. 

I hope to see as many of you there as possible. I am looking forward to hearing your insights and hopes for the future of our profession. There's still plenty of time to purchase your tickets. Click here to book your spot. 

Emma Noe 
Chair of Council