Are You An Associate Or Employee? What Is The Future Of Healthcare Recruitment?

Описание: Are You An Associate Or Employee - What Is The Future Of Healthcare Recruitment?

Welcome to the FOOTWORX Podcast 👣 — the show where we explore the real issues shaping the future of private podiatry in the UK.

In this episode, Damian Murray sits down with Erica Nicholls, Chair of the Royal College of Podiatry Southwest Regional Branch, to discuss a topic that is shaking the foundations of private practice:

⚠️ Is the traditional 50/50 self-employed associate model still legally viable in 2026?

Following a recent Royal College of Podiatry webinar on HMRC, IR35, and employment status, many clinic owners and associates are asking serious questions about the way podiatry businesses are structured.

Together we unpack:
✅ What IR35 and HMRC employment status rules really mean for podiatry clinics
✅ Why the CEST tool could classify most associates as employees
✅ The controversial “right of substitution” loophole
✅ Risks for clinic owners and associates if HMRC investigates
✅ The pros and cons of the associate model vs employed clinicians
✅ Why the future of podiatry may depend on modern employment models
✅ How progressive clinics are building teams, culture, and better patient care

This is an honest, thought-provoking discussion about where private podiatry is heading — and why adapting to change could unlock a stronger future for the profession.

If you’re a podiatrist, clinic owner, associate, new graduate, or healthcare entrepreneur, this episode is essential listening.

⏱ Topics Covered
Introduction
Erica’s background and work with the Royal College
HMRC CEST tool explained
Why most associates may actually be employees
The right of substitution explained
Why the associate model became dominant
Pros and cons for clinic owners and associates
The risks of HMRC investigations
Why the profession may need to evolve
Building modern podiatry businesses
The future of private podiatry in the UK

🎧 About the FootWorX Podcast
The FootWorX Podcast explores the clinical, business and professional challenges shaping podiatry today. We speak with leaders in the profession about practice growth, modern healthcare, and the future of private practice.

📢 Connect with the Royal College of Podiatry – Southwest Regional Branch

Follow their events and CPD updates:
📘 Facebook: Royal College of Podiatry – Southwest Regional Branch www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560986331340
Email: [email protected]

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💬 Question for the community:
Do you think the associate model in podiatry will survive the next decade? Let us know in the comments.