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 proposed health board reforms, stressing that structural changes should strengthen prevention, improve integration across services and ensure effective representation for rural and island communities.  

It further called for allied health professional representation to be embedded within future health board governance arrangements.  

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