fit of mainstream footwear, but occasionally they need to work with podiatrists and orthotists for more extreme orthoses. Hallux Valgus (bunions), claw toes, overlapping toes, pes cavus, plantar fasciitis etc. are very common ailments. In extreme cases we also recommend our bespoke shoemakers like Bill Bird Shoes, The Cordwainer, Carreduckers, Reed Medical etc. During lockdown although clinics were eventually given permission to open, qualified shoe fitters were not. Some shops worked covertly with local clinics to provide footwear for their patients. It was vital, a matter of public health, but so annoying and unfair when footwear could still be bought in some supermarkets and online.
The S.S.F. and C.F.H.R. bombarded George Freeman MP with emails begging him to allow qualified shoe fitters to open legitimately. George, who has since been reinstated as a minister – Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State - Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, had always been extremely understanding and helpful, but
Covid toe
his office asked us to stop writing. We discovered there is another level between MPs and the Prime Minister, and his boss Lord Bethell had received a letter 7 months earlier pleading our case, but it took him all of that time to send a default reply referring both George and our organisations to the .Gov website! However, on the plus side we now have one or two more influential bodies onside, so if this were to happen again, we are hoping they will also fight with us, but fingers (not toes) crossed, doors will stay firmly open. The footwear industry is lucky to have had The Society of Shoe Fitters supporting it since 1959, but considering how many shoe brands there are, the support is
not as reciprocated as it should be. Every brand should donate something to the charity, even if it can’t afford to be an Associate Member, as it is the only tangible link and source of help and education between the public, the trade and health professionals. Associate Members get huge promotion from the S.S.F. (contact:
secretary@shoefitters-uk.org for more information).
It is just a shame that we cannot
put pictures of suffering feet in shop windows because the hands- off to public health approach is costing us all as a nation. It is time that eyes, ears, teeth and feet were all back in focus. Prevention is better than a cure, and our children and families all deserve better, so if you can support our charity, please do!
Laura West F.S.S.F. Charity Administrator
c/o The Anchorage,
28 Admirals Walk, Hingham, Norfolk. NR9 4JL Tel: +44 (0)1953-851171 Email:
secretary@shoefitters-uk.org www.shoefitters-uk.org
Reg charity no. 1178413 Applications by 8th November 2021 Comment from Cheryl Taylor, Senior Managing Editor, Footwear Today Magazine I
am sad to report long-term Secretary Laura West will be leaving the SSF in the months to come. Laura restarted the organisation 33 years ago having been Advertising Exec. at Start-rite for 11 years, and she also rescued the Children’s Foot Health Register back in 2018. Laura is a Director of Woteva Ltd. which as the name infers, does all sorts - so she wont be reaching for her knitting and carpet slippers just yet! Laura said she will be pleased to support the new secretary and help the industry in various other ways too. She has also volunteered to help BIRA (British Independent Retailers Association) to lobby on behalf of independents – a cause that has become a passion. With 43 years of passionate industry experience, I somehow doubt this is the last we see of Laura, but she has certainly helped many hundreds of businesses and thousands of people in her long career. Apparently two large organisations have expressed an interest in offering an umbrella to the charity, but the Trustees still need a capable administrator dedicated to good footwear and public foothealth. Nadia Arden-Scott (President and Trustee) will be holding interviews with the other Trustees via Zoom during October and hopes to have someone in place by start of December. Do you know someone who can tick that box? If so, the Trustees have put together the following job spec. Contact:
info@shoefitter-uk.org for more info.
The Society Of Shoe Fitters is looking for an experienced individual with excellent knowledge of the footwear industry to join them as Company Secretary.
The Society of Shoe Fitters is a small charity at the forefront of ensuring consistent campaigning for the continuation/adoption of
professional proper shoe fitting.
The Charity is currently looking for a proactive, vibrant personality to support our Secretarial function and both the trade and public in disseminating information appertaining to good shoe fitting and foot health. This role is not a straightforward Secretarial position. This role requires a dynamic, proactive, and vocal individual who will lead our Charity into a future that is dedicated to the welfare of our nation’s feet.
Essential experience and attributes ¡ Extensive experience in Secretarial services with knowledge of Charities an advantage.
¡ Proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships and influence at senior level, driving decisions on matters of shoe fitting best practice.
¡ Significant experience of team leadership and the ability to motivate others.
¡ Experience of working with committees and dealing with sensitive and confidential information.
¡ Be a self-starter, able to work to deadlines whilst coping with competing priorities.
If you feel you are worthy of such a highly recognised and crucial role that will not only lead The Society of Shoe Fitters into the next era of professional shoe fitting, but make a real difference to our society, please request an application form and submit with covering letter and CV to
info@shoefitters-uk.org
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Photo: Dr Ivan Bristow/ Royal College of Podiatry
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