Annual concerns report published

This independent report provides insight about concerns raised by osteopathic patients, members of the public, healthcare professionals and sector workers from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

Looking at this data helps osteopaths and the GOsC to reflect on and take informed action to reduce the likelihood of these kinds of concerns being raised in the future. With the knowledge and data around matters that concern patients during treatment or a consultation, osteopaths can usefully reflect and learn from these findings.

The data from January to December 2024 shows that the number of concerns about osteopaths remains low, with less than a 2% chance of a concern being raised against an osteopath and patient satisfaction remains high (over 95%).

Key findings from this report include:

• 103 osteopaths had concerns raised against them out of approximately 5596 osteopaths on our Register. This figure is down from 117 in 2023
• 66.9% of the concerns raised were against male osteopaths
• Osteopaths qualified for 10 years or more have an increased chance of having a concern raised about them compared to those qualified for fewer than 10 years.
• Notable concerns raised included:
  • Treatment causes new or increased pain or injury (15)
  • Forceful treatment (14)
  • Communicating inappropriately (11)
  • Failure to communicate effectively (7)
  • Sexual impropriety (7)
  • Value for money (7)
  • Failure to refer (5)
  • Missed diagnosis (5)

Although the data in this report relates to 2024, it is important to highlight a significant increase in concerns related to professional boundaries that were received by the General Osteopathic Council during 2025. These cases will be reflected in next year’s NCOR report.

Not all of the concerns included in the report proceeded to fitness to practise hearings.

The independent NCOR report collates concerns and complaints data from the General Osteopathic Council, the professional membership body the Institute of Osteopathy and three insurers of osteopaths. The report is unique to the osteopathic profession and provides valuable feedback for osteopaths, students and educational providers.

Read the latest NCOR annual concerns report

Read a blog reflecting on the learnings from this report and the concerns we received in 2025

Read more about NCOR and the NCOR Concerns and Complaints Report including the key learnings for osteopaths