Preceptorship provides structured professional support as you move from student to qualified podiatrist. 

The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) defines preceptorship as "a structured programme of professional support and development designed to improve registrant confidence as they transition into any new role".

Preceptorship is:

• a programme to build your confidence

• a way to develop your CPD portfolio

• individualised and tailored to your needs

• complementary to clinical supervision

• supported by a nominated preceptor

• protected time for your development

Preceptorship is not:

• a test of your competence

• a pass or fail exam

• a one-size-fits-all programme

• a replacement for clinical supervision

• something to be done without support

• a homework assignment

A good preceptorship programme should:

• be tailored to your individual learning needs

• include both podiatry-specific and multi-professional learning

• provide appropriate tools and resources

• offer protected time for engagement

• have flexible timeframes for completion

• include support from a nominated preceptor

• focus on wellbeing and soft skills like resilience

• help you settle into your role

• address common challenges for newly qualified podiatrists

• extend beyond clinical skills

• provide guidance with portfolio creation

For more information on preceptorship standards, see the HCPC Principles for Preceptorship.

If you want your preceptorship programme to be successful, consider:

• identifying your learning preferences and needs before starting your role

• being open about the support you need

• engaging actively with the process rather than seeing it as a box-ticking exercise

• connecting with both podiatry colleagues and other healthcare professionals for support

• identifying areas you're passionate about

• building support networks with university friends and workplace colleagues

• developing effective coping strategies

The 3 stages of preceptorship

1. Pre-preceptorship (before employment)

This stage helps you prepare for your first role as a podiatrist while you're still studying. Universities often introduce the concept of preceptorship in your final year.

You can prepare by:

• completing the Step to Work e-learning module on the NHS e-Learning for Healthcare platform

• accessing the Preparing for life as a registered podiatrist on the NHS Learning Hub

• familiarising yourself with the HCPC Principles for Perceptorship

2. Preceptorship (first 12 months of employment)

This structured transition period typically includes:

• regular meetings with an experienced podiatrist (your preceptor)

• a programme lasting at least 12 months

• tailored learning resources to build your confidence

• support to develop your clinical and professional skills

3. Foundation (ongoing development)

After completing your preceptorship, you'll continue developing across the 4 pillars of practice:

• clinical skills

• leadership

• education

• research

The Royal College of Podiatry offers skills pathways resources to support your ongoing development.

Finding employers with preceptorship programmes

NHS organisations typically have established preceptorship programmes, while private practices may offer different forms of support like mentorship.

When applying for jobs

Look for mention of preceptorship in job descriptions. If it's not mentioned, ask about it during the interview:

• "does your organisation provide a preceptorship programme?"

• "what does your preceptorship programme include?"

• "what support is available during my preceptorship period?"

If they don't have formal preceptorship, ask:

• "what support do you have for newly qualified podiatrists?"

Examples of NHS preceptorship programmes

Different employers structure their programmes differently:

Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust offers:

• a specific preceptorship programme

• digital preceptorship portfolio

• preceptor training

• monthly preceptee meetings

• one-to-one support

You can purchase the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust programme on an individual or organisational basis.

Flying Start offers podiatrists working in the NHS in Scotland: 

• a comprehensive online learning program specifically for newly qualified practitioners

• structured development across clinical practice, leadership, research and learning

• self-directed learning with mentor support

• access to an online community of practice

Preceptorship in private practice

Support in private practice varies widely. Based on Royal College of Podiatry survey data, many private practices offer mentorship rather than formal preceptorship programmes.