Returning to practice in podiatry

Missing podiatry

When Cheryl and her family returned to Scotland, she realised that she missed her podiatry career. This motivated her to find out how she could resume it after a break of more than 10 years. She shares, "Missing podiatry was a big part of the decision to return to practice."

Cheryl contacted the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which regulates allied health professions in the UK. She then sent some emails to make enquiries and spoke to the practice education team at NHS Education for Scotland (NES). They explained the AHP Return to Practice programme in Scotland.

Starting the AHP Return to Practice programme

It took Cheryl 5 months to complete the programme. She loves learning, so she was excited to start studying. Cheryl was a bit nervous at first, worried about admitting she didn't know something. However, it was much less daunting than she expected. Cheryl explains, "I felt able to put my hand up and say, "I don't remember that," without feeling patronised or disrespected."

Supervised practice

Cheryl's supervised practice was split between the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow and working in the community. At the hospital's teaching facility, I learned alongside undergraduate podiatry students. In the community, I worked with Band 5 and Band 6 podiatrists.

Throughout the AHP Return to Practice programme, Cheryl says she felt respected and supported. She explains, "I was allowed professional freedom to start a treatment plan. My practice supervisor was very careful not to override me or overwhelm me. They supported me rather than doing the treatment for me. But, I always felt like if I was in over my head, I had somebody who could help me out."

Re-registering with the HCPC

After completing the AHP Return to Practice programme, Cheryl re-registered with the HCPC and applied for a Band 5 podiatrist job. She shares, "It was a very supportive start. The NHS has been very flexible with some of the requirements I had. I've found it to be really positive."

Recommending the AHP Return to Practice programme

Cheryl recommends the AHP Return to Practice programme. She says, "If someone's thinking about returning to practice, I would advise them to do it. There are solutions to any challenge. The Return to Practice programme will accommodate your needs where possible, such as flexible working if you have family commitments."