The College of Foot Health is fully owned by the Institute of Podiatrists, which administers the Members Emergency Benevolent Fund (MEBF). Members of the College of Foot Health are eligible to access this fund.
The MEBF is designed to provide financial assistance and compassionate support to members of the Institute, as well as their immediate families and dependents, who are experiencing unforeseen hardship or personal crises. Its purpose is to help members remain in work, return to work, or access appropriate care during palliative or end-of-life situations.
The Fund embodies the core values of the Institute and College – compassion, solidarity, and professional fellowship – by offering timely, confidential support to those in need. Through the MEBF, the Institute and College reaffirm their ongoing commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of members throughout every stage of their personal and professional lives.
Institute of Podiatrists /College of Foot Health – Benevolent Fund Policy
1. Purpose: The Members Emergency Benevolent Fund (MEBF) exists to provide discretionary financial support to current and former members of the Institute/College*, as well as their immediate families and dependents, who are facing exceptional circumstances resulting in hardship or distress. The Fund is intended to reflect the Institute’s/College’s commitment to the welfare of its professional community by offering assistance during times of significant personal crisis.
2. Scope of Support Grants from the MEBF are awarded at the discretion of the Institute and are intended to assist with specific needs that arise from critical or unforeseen circumstances that restrict a members ability to continue in work.
3. Exclusions The MEBF is not intended to cover routine or day-to-day living expenses.
4. Eligibility Applicants must be/have:
- A current or former* full member of the Institute of Podiatrists, or College of Foot Health, or
- An immediate family member or legal dependent of a current/former* member
- Experienced a qualifying event (e.g. illness, operation, palliative care)
- Completed a means test and have savings less than £16,000
- Not currently receiving adequate government financial support (e.g. UC, DWP, SSP)
- External verification or professional endorsement provided
- Requesting a grant of £500 or less
- Not received excessive or multiple MEBF claims in the past 12 months
5. Application Process Applications must be submitted using the official MEBF Application Form, available from Head Office. All applications are treated in strict confidence. Supporting documentation may be required to verify circumstances. Each application will be assessed by the Benevolent Fund Committee, who will determine the outcome based on individual merit and available resources.
6. Governance The MEBF is a registered charity – Charity Number: 291860, and is managed by a designated committee appointed by the Institute.
7. Funding The MEBF is financed through voluntary donations, fundraising activities, and contributions approved by the Institute. All disbursements are subject to the availability of funds. A grant of £500 or less is available per application.
*The MEBF will only provide funds to former members whose membership has lapsed within a 12 month period.
