Podiatry Board developing a professional performance framework for podiatric surgeons

26 Sep 2024

As part of its commitment to strengthening public protection and regulatory effectiveness the Podiatry Board of Australia (Board) is developing a Professional performance framework to ensure that all registered podiatric surgeons practise competently and ethically throughout their working lives.

The Professional performance framework for podiatric surgeons (the framework) has been developed based on recommendations made in the final report from the Independent Review of the regulation of podiatric surgeons in Australia. 

The framework has four domains that focus on guidance to support podiatric surgeons, strengthened assessment and management of notifications, active assurance of safe practice and strengthening continuing professional development and culture. 

The framework is designed to support podiatric surgeons to take responsibility for their own performance and encourage them collectively to raise professional standards and build a positive, respectful culture that benefits patients and the profession. 

Professor Cylie Williams, Chair of the Podiatry Board of Australia says there is more work to be done to implement the framework. 

‘While some of the elements are in place already, such as the Code of conduct and professional capabilities, others will require more substantial work’, said Professor Williams. 

The Board will be consulting on elements of the framework such as the strengthened CPD requirements for podiatric surgeons, guidelines for practitioners undertaking podiatric surgery, and a requirement for all podiatric surgeons to hold an endorsement for scheduled medicines as a package of reforms later this year.