What's happened 

Jane Pritchard, the Royal College of Podiatry's Chief Executive and General Secretary, has been elected to the General Council of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). 

She takes over from Deputy General Secretary Martin Furlong and will represent smaller unions on the General Council. Furlong is due to retire in early 2027. 

The General Council governs the TUC between its annual Congresses and oversees its work during the year. Pritchard will represent smaller unions, bringing their perspectives into discussions across the wider trade union movement. 

“I want to thank Martin for all his work on the General Council” Pritchard said.   

“Martin has worked hard to ensure the College voice is strong in the trade union movement despite us being one of the smaller memberships. I aim to ensure we build on his fantastic work for the benefit of our members in all parts of the profession.” 

Pritchard takes over after Furlong spent seven years on the General Council. This year's TUC Congress in Brighton was his last before he retires in early 2027. He received the TUC Gold Badge from TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak in recognition of his contribution to the trade union movement. 

RCPod Deputy General Secretary Martin Furlong receives his TUC Gold Badge from TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak at the TUC Congress in Brighton

“Representing the Royal College of Podiatry on the General Council for the past seven years has been an absolute honour and one of the things I am most proud of in my career,” he said. 

“I've been able to speak directly to Prime Ministers, First Ministers and others about the profession of podiatry, as well as protecting workers. 

“I've met bakers, firefighters, footballers, sailors and many others and helped to make their workplaces better – and talked about the importance of looking after their feet and lower limbs.” 

Why this matters to members 

Pritchard's election means the Royal College of Podiatry will continue to have a presence on the TUC General Council after Furlong retires. 

Her election provides a route for issues affecting podiatrists – across the NHS, independent practice and other sectors – to form part of wider trade union discussions about working life. 

Links and references 

TUC: General Council