The crest is formed by a winged staff, entwined by serpents and surmounted by a thistle. A winged foot is superimposed, and behind this the motto "Concordia Victrix". The winged staff and serpent motifs have, from classical times, been used to symbolise the "healing art" in its various forms. The winged-foot bears testimony to the integral and important part played by the chiropodist in the art and science of modern medicine. The staff is surmounted by a thistle in recognition of The Institute's debt to Scotland, the nation which gave rise to Britain's oldest bona fide chiropodial association (circa 1900), now integrated through the Scottish Incorporation and the Joint Council, into The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. The motto, which freely translated suggests "achievement by united effort" is symbolic of The Institute's democratic structure, and of it's willingness to co-operate with others in the interest of professional progress.