What’s happened 

The Scottish Government's Programme for Government 2026 places a strong emphasis on prevention, public service reform and shifting care into community settings.

The Royal College of Podiatry has welcomed these priorities, noting that they align closely with the contribution podiatrists already make across Scotland in supporting people to remain healthy, active and independent for longer.  

In its response, the College highlighted the opportunities presented by the Health and Care Improving Flow Plan, particularly the expansion of community-based services and diagnostics.  

The response emphasises that podiatrists already play a key role in preventing and managing complications associated with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions, and mobility problems, helping to reduce demand on acute services and improve long-term outcomes. 

The College also commented on health board reforms, stressing that structural changes should strengthen prevention, improve integration across services and ensure the AHP voice is represented at the decision-making table.  

The reduction to the number of health boards raises questions around the delivery of podiatric care and how a sustainable workforce will be achieved for the whole of Scotland while being led centrally. Professional leadership needs to be maintained to ensure the delivery of local patient-centred models of care.

What is not clear from the Programme for Government is the exact nature of the benefits of a reduction in the number of health boards or how this will be implemented. There appears to be a lack of detail in the development of this proposal, alongside an absence of engagement with trade unions and the healthcare workforce.

This has led to widespread concerns in respect of the new structures and governance of the created boards. We urge the Scottish Government to work collaboratively with stakeholders to deliver this change effectively. 

Why this matters to members 

The College's response reinforces the value of podiatry as a preventative profession and highlights the contribution members make to addressing some of Scotland's most pressing health challenges.  

It also underlines the profession's role in tackling health inequalities, particularly in deprived communities where rates of diabetes-related foot disease, peripheral arterial disease and avoidable amputations are higher.  

As policymakers look to deliver more care in community settings and reduce pressures on acute services, the response argues that podiatrists should be recognised as an essential part of the multidisciplinary workforce.  

Greater recognition of podiatry within prevention and reform programmes could help improve access to care, strengthen patient outcomes and ensure the profession has a stronger voice in future health system decision-making. 

What happens next 

The Royal College of Podiatry will continue to engage with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders as plans for health service reform and governance changes develop. 

The College will advocate for greater recognition of podiatry's contribution to prevention, population health and community-based care. 

Links and references 

• Scottish Government Programme for Government 2026 

• Royal College of Podiatry response to the Programme for Government 2026 

Update

This article was updated on 2 September 2026 to include further comments on the proposed heath board reforms.