The Institute of Podiatrists

The Institute of Podiatrists Our strict code of ethics ensures the best quality of care to the public. Supporting, developing and inspiring podiatry professionals.

The Institute of Podiatrists (IoP) is a professional body, serving, developing and supporting practitioners throughout the entire profession of podiatry and podiatric medicine. It is a priority of the Institute of Podiatrists that our members adhere to our strict code of conduct and that we are able to provide our members with the support they require, through ongoing training, peer discussion and education to continue their professional development. Ensuring that the latest treatments and the greatest care is always being provided to the public. It is also our mission to inform the public of ways in which podiatrists can provide treatment and information on all medical problems of the feet, as well as showing ways to manage foot health and how to prevent common problems or injury. Members have access to a confidential advice service, including advice from the IoP medicines and procedures panel (MaPP) on the use of drugs and therapeutics as well as appropriate podiatric procedures.

An incredible day of Nail Reconstruction CPD delivered by our nail queen 👑
04/10/2025

An incredible day of Nail Reconstruction CPD delivered by our nail queen 👑

An incredible day of Nail Reconstruction CPD with our very own nail queen Gaynor Wooldridge 👑 Another wonderful, passion...
04/10/2025

An incredible day of Nail Reconstruction CPD with our very own nail queen Gaynor Wooldridge 👑

Another wonderful, passionate group of course delegates. Thank you all for braving the weather to join us. Safe travel home 🏠

Our Autumn issue of the Podiatry Review is hitting members doormats this week! 📮 All podiatry student members have today...
01/10/2025

Our Autumn issue of the Podiatry Review is hitting members doormats this week! 📮 All podiatry student members have today received their free digital copy 📲

It's another great read from many acclaimed authors with a focus on the role podiatry plays within sports ⚽️🤸‍♂️

Institute of Podiatrists Position StatementUsing Botulinum Toxins in PodiatrySeptember 2025Supporting Members in extendi...
30/09/2025

Institute of Podiatrists Position Statement
Using Botulinum Toxins in Podiatry
September 2025

Supporting Members in extending practice
The Institute has always championed and promoted and in many cases taught, extensions of practice in podiatry and we continue to do so. Such taught extensions of practice often include the use and administration of medical devices, pharmacy only medicines, prescription only medicines and controlled drugs. At all times we follow both the spirit and also letter of UK law, and ensure that where we provide training in medicines, drugs and devices that the Institute tutors providing such training are experienced and knowledgeable in the items being taught, as well as legally permitted and registered to personally purchase, prescribe and administer the items being taught.

Guidance on using Toxins in Podiatry
Toxins such as Botox® are, quite rightly, only available via a prescription by a qualified prescriber who must also ensure they strictly follow the law on prescribing which is very clear. The practice of obtaining these by non-prescribers collaborating with a ‘remote prescriber’ is universally criticised by professional bodies which include the General Medical Council, the Care Quality Commission, the Royal College of General Practitioners, the General Pharmaceutical Council and the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners. The Institute of Podiatrists agrees entirely with the foregoing (and other) august professional bodies stance on this matter, and we unreservedly add our voice to theirs.

Professional body consensus on non face-to-face prescribing
The remote prescribing of botulinum toxins in particular is a deeply concerning and dangerous practice that poses a serious threat to patient safety. This model allows non-prescribers to administer a powerful prescription-only medicine without a direct, in-person consultation with a qualified medical professional. This crucial disconnect removes the opportunity for a thorough physical assessment and a proper evaluation of a patient's medical history, leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes. By relying solely on a remote exchange, the prescribing clinician is blind to the subtle but vital cues that can signal contraindications and is unable to adequately assess a patient's suitability for the procedure. This not only opens the door to inappropriate administration but also leaves the patient vulnerable to serious complications with no immediate medical oversight.

Duty of safe and legal practice
In cases where Institute members are involved in the above it must be understood that any failure of a member to adhere strictly to all relevant laws and regulations would certainly be accounted by ourselves, our insurers and almost certainly by the HCPC, as impairment of practice with potential HCPC deregistration and withdrawal of IOP membership and the protection and insurance cover thereof.

Forward Podiatry!
The Institute and its representative officers were key contributor to the Department of Health project that was set up earlier this century to design and implement independent prescribing by podiatrists, we also consulted in the design of the Single National Prescribing Framework for all Prescribers. The years of work and effort put in by your professional body in respect of the above could be destroyed very easily by even a single widely publicised adverse event involving remote prescribing and administration of prescription only medicines by a non-prescriber to which they are not specifically licensed to purchase or administer. It should also be pointed out that we do not recognise, or insure, any training in administration or use of non-exempted (i.e. Not POM-A or POM-S) prescription only medicines that is not carried out by qualified Institute Tutors who are themselves registered Independent Prescribers.

Personal safe and legal skills development
Members are advised and reminded that we as an organisation unreservedly offer support and guidance to those members wishing to embark on training as an independent prescriber. Our partnership with the University of Wolverhampton gives you access to one of the UK’s finest Allied Health prescribing courses and Institute independent prescribers are available to give unstinting advice on the acquisition of this very useful skill.

This morning, Institute members received an email statement regarding the use of Botulinum Toxins in podiatry. Our state...
26/09/2025

This morning, Institute members received an email statement regarding the use of Botulinum Toxins in podiatry. Our statement will be available to the wider profession shortly.

This 1-day Podiatric Acupuncture course provides HCPC-registered podiatrists, chiropodists, physiotherapists, doctors, n...
16/09/2025

This 1-day Podiatric Acupuncture course provides HCPC-registered podiatrists, chiropodists, physiotherapists, doctors, nurses, and chiropractors with evidence-based training in Western acupuncture (dry needling).

The course explores when and how to safely and effectively integrate acupuncture into clinical practice, whether as a stand-alone intervention or alongside other treatment modalities.
Delegates will gain practical skills to support patients with musculoskeletal, neurological, and circulatory disorders, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon injuries, shin splints, calf cramps, arthritic pain, neuropathic pain, neuromas, and ulcers.

An introduction to Electroacupuncture is also included, broadening the scope of clinical application.

👉For full course details and to register visit: https://www.iop-uk.org/courses/podiatric-acupuncture.aspx

You may have seen media reports about the EU ban on TPO, a chemical sometimes used in gel nail polishes.We want to reass...
05/09/2025

You may have seen media reports about the EU ban on TPO, a chemical sometimes used in gel nail polishes.

We want to reassure all of our members, followers and nail reconstruction CPD attendees - past and future, that the products taught as part of our training do not use TPO (LCN Wilde Pedique, selected polygels, and Gehwol Nail Repair)

The Institute of Podiatrists are committed to patient safety, evidence-based practice, and clinician confidence. We will continue to monitor developments in the UK and EU and keep our members and colleagues informed accordingly.

Your training and your patients’ safety remain our priority.

If you are using a system not listed above, or have received your training elsewhere, please consult the training provider or product manufacturer.

A full detailed statement has been issued to members this morning.

Enhance Your Clinical Practice with Incisional Nail Surgery TrainingWe are pleased to offer an advanced Incisional Nail ...
22/08/2025

Enhance Your Clinical Practice with Incisional Nail Surgery Training

We are pleased to offer an advanced Incisional Nail Surgery Course, designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and practical skills required to perform safe and effective nail surgery procedures.

Led by experienced professionals, this course will cover:
✔️ Patient assessment and case selection
✔️ Surgical techniques for ingrown and problematic nails
✔️ Post-operative management and best practice standards

This training provides an excellent opportunity to broaden your clinical scope and deliver enhanced care for patients with complex nail conditions.

📅 Limited places available
👉 https://www.iop-uk.org/courses/incisional-nail-surgery.aspx

📣Final spaces on our injectable cadaver coursesIf you are looking to both please contact Head Office for dual pricing in...
21/08/2025

📣Final spaces on our injectable cadaver courses
If you are looking to both please contact Head Office for dual pricing info@iop-uk.org or call 01704 546 141

Full details via our courses page here https://www.iop-uk.org/Courses/
CQC is not required.

We have received some great article submissions for our technology quarter 1 journal. If you are podiatrist passionate a...
20/08/2025

We have received some great article submissions for our technology quarter 1 journal. If you are podiatrist passionate about a piece of technology benefitting you as a clinician or a trade partner about to launch a new product, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact our team media@iop-uk.org

Autologous whole blood injections can stimulate the body’s natural healing response, supporting tissue repair in chronic...
19/08/2025

Autologous whole blood injections can stimulate the body’s natural healing response, supporting tissue repair in chronic foot and ankle conditions such as plantar fasciopathy or tendinopathies. For podiatrists, this treatment offers a minimally invasive option to enhance patient outcomes when conservative therapies have proven insufficient.

Autologous whole blood is NOT PRP and can be used by podiatrists who have received relevant training. CQC is not required.

This course is ideal for podiatrists who have previously benefited from the clinical applications of PRP. Full details https://www.iop-uk.org/courses/phlebotomy-autologous-whole-blood-injections-for-podiatrists.aspx

Address

The Institute Of Podiatrists, 150 Lord Street
Southport
PR90NP

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

01704 546141

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Our Story

We value each and every IOCP member. We hold annual general meetings as well as regional meetings, to ensure our members are heard. It is a priority of the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists that our members adhere to our code of conduct and that we are able to provide our members with the support they require, through ongoing training, peer discussion and education to continue their professional development. Ensuring that the latest treatments and the greatest care is always being provided to the public. It is also our mission to inform the public of ways in which podiatrists can provide treatment and information on all medical problems of the feet, as well as showing ways to manage foot health and how to prevent common problems or injury. Members have access to a confidential advice service, including advice from the IOCP medicines and procedures panel on the use of drugs and therapeutics as well as appropriate podiatric procedures.