Established in 1959, the Society of Shoe Fitters is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting good shoe fitting and foot health. The society was founded by a group of eminent retailers backed by manufacturers, who set out a constitution to guide its activities. With typically 250-400 members and students across the UK, the Society employs a secretarial service and operates under the oversight of a voluntary council that meets several times a year to ensure the continuation of its objectives.
One of the primary goals of the Society of Shoe Fitters is to lobby the government for improved standards of footwear and fitting in the UK. Membership in the society is open to individuals from all over the UK, as well as from countries like Portugal, Turkey, and the Channel Islands. Members come from various backgrounds, including retail shoe fitters, supplier representatives, laboratory technicians, podiatrists, chiropodists, and manufacturer trainers.
To become a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters, individuals must complete a 5-month course that includes distance learning and practical workshops. Successful completion of the course leads to the designation of M.S.S.F. (Member of the Society of Shoe Fitters). Alternatively, experienced shoe fitters with five or more years of experience can become members through an entrance examination or application process.
The Society of Shoe Fitters plays a crucial role in promoting its members and providing assistance to the public. The society offers guidance on footwear inquiries, professional fitting services, and various foot health-related issues. Members benefit from using the society's logo and are recognised as professional shoe fitters. The society also operates a helpline to assist members with in-store issues and provides promotional materials, including window displays and educational resources.
In addition to its advocacy and support initiatives, the Society of Shoe Fitters engages in various events and activities to promote foot health and shoe fitting. These include participation in exhibitions, media interviews, press releases, and collaborations with trading standards offices. The society also organises the annual National Shoe Fitting Week, a national foot health initiative that encourages collaboration between health and footwear professionals to raise awareness among the public.
Overall, the Society of Shoe Fitters serves as a helpful resource for both its members and the public, promoting the importance of good shoe fitting and foot health. Through its advocacy, education, and support efforts, the society continues to uphold its mission of advancing standards in footwear fitting and promoting foot health for all. Click here to find a qualified shoe fitter near you.
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