Why we are selling our office building

Anyone who knows me or who has read some of my previous blogs may know that I have been with the GOsC for quite a long time, long enough to see the profession and organisation develop and change significantly. Throughout that time we have had our headquarters on Tower Bridge Road in the South East of London. But, as things have continued to change, so too has our need to adapt as well.

Since 2020 and as a result of the pandemic, our members of staff have mostly been working remotely, continuing to deliver our statutory duties, working with patients, osteopaths and our partners, and doing so without faltering on quality or standards. We continue to be the only healthcare professional regulator who has met all Standards of Good Regulation for the fifteenth year running.

In the meantime, our headquarters has remained mostly empty.

Adapting to new ways of working

The decision to sell our office is driven by our aim to be cost efficient in the way we work – we can’t justify spending a large amount of money on a mostly empty building. That simply is not a good use of registrants’ fees.

At the same time we recognise that in order to build trust (one of the key priorities of Our Strategy) we need to meet people where they are in their communities, and find new ways to connect with the profession.

This is why we are investing in a new website, implementing new communication channels and making plans to hold some of our Council meetings across the UK, including in the devolved countries. Students, osteopaths and members of the public not based in London will be better able to come along to these meetings in person, to see how we make decisions that affect osteopathic education and standards, and the experiences of those on the Register.

I’ve spoken before about the GOsC needing to show its human face – and with this change we are putting into action what we have said we will do as we intend to meet those with whom we work much more ‘on their own turf’.

Change can be unsettling and empowering

We recognise that this move may not be welcomed by everyone. Our Council has spent over a year considering its options before concluding that this sale is the right decision for the GOsC.

I want to stress that we are committed to listening to and hearing all voices, and while the sale of the building will happen, we want to ensure that no one is left behind as we embrace a new future. If you have questions, we invite you to contact us on:

• Email: info@osteopathy.org.uk
• WhatsApp: 020 7046 0406
• Phone: 020 7357 6655 x242
• Osteopaths and students are also welcome to come along to our regular online drop in, the link is on the home page of the o zone and in your ebulletin

So, we ask you to see this for what it is: a move towards a more agile, inclusive, and flexible organisation. One that is seeking to build trust by engaging with osteopaths, students, patients and partner organisations on a more regional basis, and which takes its financial responsibilities seriously, which means we are putting our resources to their best use as we make sure that we continue to deliver on our statutory duties.

A personal reflection

As someone who has worked within osteopathic regulation for 25 years, I understand the connection some may have to our office building. I share that emotion and connection, and while this is absolutely the right decision, on a personal level this has not been an easy decision. 

But I am excited and invigorated about what lies ahead. I sincerely hope you will walk with us on this new path as we continue to evolve, adapt, and lead with purpose.