Podiatrists are highly trained, autonomous practitioners who assess, diagnose, and treat foot and lower limb conditions. As experts in mobility and lower limb health, they use advanced assessment and management techniques to improve overall wellbeing

First Contact Practitioner (FCP) podiatrists (also known as First Contact Podiatrists) usually work from GP surgeries and clinics within primary care and can see patients with lower limb conditions without them having seen the GP first. They are usually trained to Band 7 clinical capability in the NHS and demonstrate an extended level of skills, training, and experience.

First point of contact podiatrists:

• Have enhanced level training beyond Band 6 podiatrist in primary care podiatry
• Uses specialist knowledge of lower limb health across a broad range of clinical presentations spanning musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, dermatological, or age-related conditions
• Provide personalised self-management advice, formulate initial treatment plans, facilitate shared decision-making, initiate appropriate tests and investigations, and initiate a referral to other services
• Can progress from enhanced, to advanced, to consultant-level practice within primary care.

For more information please read NHSE Roadmap to practice and the NHSE Podiatrist in primary care

Lower limb conditions can have multiple causes—vascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, traumatic, or infectious—and delays in diagnosis or treatment can lead to serious complications, including limb loss or even death. Placing a podiatrist in primary care ensures timely, accurate assessment, early intervention, and prevention of escalation.

For patients:

• Faster access to specialist assessment, investigation, and treatment
• Improved quality of life, quicker return to work and daily activities
• Prevention of amputations—saving lives and limbs

For Primary Care Networks (PCNs):

• Reduced GP workload and appointment demand
• Expert lower-limb input within the multidisciplinary team
• Strengthened overall PCN service offer

For the wider system:

• Effective use of ARRS funding
• Lower secondary care demand and costs
• Fewer repeated appointments and reduced medication use

Royal College of Podiatry: The Benefits of first contact practitioner’s

The scope of practice for First Contact Podiatrists is  set out in the  NHSE Roadmap to practice for First Contact and Advanced Practitioners. These roadmaps provide a clear educational pathway from undergraduate study through to Advanced Practice, detailing the knowledge, skills, and professional attributes required to work as an FCP or Advanced Podiatrist in primary care. They also outline the supervision structures and clinical governance arrangements necessary to support safe and effective practice.

By defining the capabilities of FCPs and Advanced Podiatrist the roadmaps help employers and workforce planners understand the value these roles bring to a multi-professional team, supporting high-quality, patient-centred care.

Podiatrists play a vital role in managing systemic conditions with lower limb manifestations, including arthritis, skin disorders, vascular disease, musculoskeletal problems, and diabetes

NHS Employers guide

Recruiting First Contact Podiatrists through ARRS

Primary Care Networks (PCNs) can recruit First Contact Podiatrists ( FCPs) via the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS). This scheme funds a range of roles to help build bespoke, multidisciplinary teams that meet local population needs. All PCNs are eligible for reimbursement, with funding allocation based on their weighted population share.

Through ARRS, PCNs can employ FCPs and be reimbursed for 100% of the specified salary and associated on-costs. This makes it a cost-effective way to integrate dietetic expertise into primary care teams, improving access and outcomes for patients.

More information can be found in:

• DES contract.
• Additional Roles at a Quick Reference Summary.
• CQC Mythbuster.

To practice as a First Contact Podiatrist, clinicians must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which requires a a BSc in or pre-reg MSc in Podiatry under a training programme approved by the Royal College of Podiatry.

Podiatrist working at Advanced Practice level are generally expected to hold a Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification to support extended clinical decision-making, Independent prescribing, and leadership responsibilities.

NHS England recommends that Podiatrists have around 5 years of post-qualification experience before entering primary care training to become a First Contact Practitioner. This ensures they have the clinical expertise needed to manage patients safely and effectively in a first-contact setting.

In addition, First Contact Podiatrists should:

• Hold a Master’s-level qualification or demonstrate equivalent specialist knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Be able to demonstrate Level 7 capability in Podiatry including advanced assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

RCOP: How do I become a first contact practitioner?

RCOP: Podiatrists as First Contact Practitioners

Podiatrists can train to be a First contact practitioner via 2 routes:

University taught route – there are several fully funded courses available for Podiatrists to attend:

Podiatrists can also undertake the portfolio route, this route is aimed at individuals with previous post graduate training and / or primary care experience. 

Further information on education providers can be found here.

RCOP: How do I become a first contact practitioner?

RCOP: Podiatrists as First Contact Practitioners

Job Description

Podiatry Senate Report

FCPs and Complex Care Management

Podiatrists as FCPs

Example of interview questions

RCOP; Podiatrists in primary care

Pulse PCN: Unlocking the potential of Podiatrists in primary care

Supervision under ARRS

The Network Contract DES specifies the minimum supervision requirements for staff hired through the ARRS. The table below outlines the recommended minimum frequency for supervision meetings and identifies who can provide this supervision. Each clinical supervision session should last at least one hour.

These recommendations are based on the Network Contract DES requirements, professional regulatory standards, and expert guidance.

More information can be found in NHS England’s’ supervision guidance for primary care network multidisciplinary teams.

Supervision of the MDT.

FCP Portfolios

• Agilio (Clarity)

Portfolio Blank Templates

• Audio COT
• Case-Based Discussion – Dietitian
• Clinical Supervisor’s Report
• Consultation Observation Tool – Dietitian
• FCP Verification Form
• Level 7 Module Performa
• Multi source feedback form
• Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire
• Personal Development Plan
• Patient survey questionaire and multi source feedback form via accuRx guide
• Tutorial Evaluation
• Tutorial Record

A Non-Medical Referrer (NMR) is a nurse, allied health professional or clinical pharmacist who has extended their role to include referral to radiology to improve the delivery of care to patients.

The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (and subsequent amendments) {IR(ME)R17} defines an NMR as being a member of a profession regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002(a).

For more information regarding IR(ME)R please see:  The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017

All information regarding NMR Radiological imaging in BNSSG can be found here Radiological Imaging for non-medical referrers – Avon LMC.,

Including:

• BNSSG Protocol for NMR
• SOP for FCP Physios
• Specific indications for FCP Physio
• Onboarding process and templates
• Referrer competence assessment and confirmation forms
• Audit form
• TVUSS for FRSH trained nurses
• Webinar outlining the process and updates
• National guidance and resources

ICE onboarding documentation can be found here: ICE System for Radiology (& Pathology) Referrers (Remedy BNSSG ICB)

Further advice or information about imaging for Non-Medical Referrers (NMR)

Please use the dedicated email addresses below:

• NBT: nmr@nbt.nhs.uk
• UHBW: RadiationProtectionTraining@UHBW.nhs.uk