Practice note for questioning witnesses updated
8 February 2023
Revised version of our practice note takes into account feedback we received from osteopaths and patients.
Our revised practice note, which will be used by our Professional Conduct Committee during fitness to practise hearings, helps us make sure that all witnesses involved in our fitness to practise hearings are supported and treated appropriately, helping them to give their best evidence and engage effectively with the hearing process.
Outlining the appropriate questioning of witnesses during in-person or remote hearings before the GOsC’s Professional Conduct Committee (PCC), the practice note explains that questions should be relevant, justified and necessary for the PCC to be able to determine the issues in the case. Witnesses should also be provided with the time to answer fully, without interruption.
As the regulator for osteopathy in the UK, we rely on patients, members of the public, osteopaths and other health professionals to tell us if they have concerns about an osteopath. The role of witnesses is vital in our investigation and hearings process.
In September 2022 we invited views from osteopaths, patients, other health and social care regulators and key organisations involved in our concerns process on a draft version of the practice note. The feedback we received, especially from patients, has contributed towards the final published note.
