First Contact Podiatrist

Job responsibilities

Role Profile

First Contact Podiatrists (FCPs) are qualified autonomous clinical practitioners working in GP practices who can assess, diagnose, treat, and manage lowerlimb and foot problems, including undifferentiated conditions, and where appropriate, discharge a person without a medical referral. FCPs are key members of the multidisciplinary team in primary care and support the reduction of GP workload. Patients can access FCPs directly via selfreferral, or practice staff can direct patients to them to establish a rapid and accurate diagnosis and management plan to streamline pathways of care.

• Assess, diagnose, triage, and manage patients, taking responsibility for a complex caseload. Progress and request investigations when trained to do so (e.g., Xrays, blood tests) and make referrals to support diagnosis and treatment planning.

• Develop and utilise your full scope of clinical practice, including skills relating to independent prescribing, injection therapy, and investigations when trained.

• Manage complex interactions, including working with patients with psychosocial and mental health needs, referring to social prescribing where appropriate.

• Deliver programmes of supported self management that facilitate behavioural change, optimise physical activity, mobility, independence, and minimise reliance on pharmacological interventions.

• Provide care tailored to individual needs, including appraising the impact of clinical status on general health, wellbeing, and employment.

• Support patients to set their own goals and build confidence in self management.

• Develop relationships and collaborative working across the PCN, supporting pathway integration in primary care.

• Work as part of an MDT in a patient facing role, using expert knowledge of lower limb issues to strengthen links with wider foot and ankle services through clinical leadership, teaching, and evaluation.

• Support research and audit programmes to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the FCP service.

• Streamline pathways by providing a responsive service that ensures timely access to care.

• Lead, manage, and contribute to service delivery.

• Implement all aspects of effective clinical governance, including audit, evaluation, supervision, and training.

• Communicate complex and sensitive information effectively with patients and carers, supporting personalised care.

• Provide feedback and support to other PCN clinical team members on appropriate referral criteria.

• Critically reflect on your own practice and continue to develop your skills.

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast paced, changing environment.

• Strong clinical problem solving and analytical skills, including recognising when to refer for diagnostics or to other services.

• Ability to critically reflect on professional development needs and motivation to progress clinically (with support).

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cohesively within a wider team.

• Ability to follow legal, ethical, professional, and organisational policies and codes of conduct.

• Competent with IT systems, databases, and modern digital ways of working.

Essential

• Fully HCPC and CoP registered practising Podiatrist.

• Minimum 5 years postgraduate clinical experience delivering podiatric assessment and treatment.

• Up to date CPD portfolio demonstrating knowledge of the MSK Core Capabilities Framework for First Contact Practitioners and the four pillars of advanced practice, including identification of developmental needs.

• Up to date understanding of Health Education England's Roadmap to Practice.

Desirable

• Completion of Level 7 MSc learning.

• Previous experience in firstcontact triage (including private sector).

• Previous experience working in a GP practice.

• Experience using EMIS or SystmOne.

• ...