Findings of osteopath and student perceptions research published

GOsC commissioned this research to help us understand the perceptions of the profession to provide us with the evidence we need to inform our work.

Findings show that many hold negative perceptions of GOsC, based largely on the experiences of other osteopaths and some common misunderstandings of our role. Those with positive views of GOsC are more likely to have had direct experiences with the regulator and to have a better understanding of our role.

Carried out by independent market research company DJS Research between January and June 2024, the research included a survey for all osteopaths and students.

Chief Executive of GOsC, Matthew Redford, said:

‘We launched a new Strategy in April 2024 which included a key priority to strengthen trust. The results of the DJS research provide the evidence we need to understand where we are in that journey.

‘The results are significant and show that for almost half of the profession trust is low, and this is influenced by a misunderstanding of our role and second-hand experience.

‘We are so grateful to all who took part and provided their honest views. As an organisation we have already made some changes, and planning is underway about how these research findings can support the work we are doing to strengthen trust with the profession.

‘We want osteopaths, students and educators to know that while our primary role is to protect patients, we are also here to support osteopaths to be able to provide high quality care, and to protect the reputation of the profession so that members of the public and patients can feel confident in seeking out osteopathic treatment.’

Work has already begun across the organisation to make changes in response to the research findings, including:

• Reviewing and making improvements to the way our phone system operates, to make it easier for callers to reach the right person
• Reviewing and updating information on our website about how to contact us
• Making it clearer what our role is on all our channels and the type of queries we can answer or provide support with
• Reviewing and updating some of our standard correspondence on issues such as registration renewal, to make sure we are doing our best to be supportive and informative when contacting osteopaths about the important actions they need to take
• Increasing the ways that osteopaths and students can contact us by providing alternative methods for the profession to talk to us and ask us questions, for example: by video call or WhatsApp; by attending our new weekly Chat with GOsC online drop in sessions for osteopaths 

While the research shows that student views of GOsC are actively influenced by the views of their educators, some of whom have a negative perception of the GOsC, findings also show that osteopaths who have been on the Register for less than two years are much less likely to have negative views of GOsC.

Following the survey work, DJS carried out interviews and focus groups with osteopaths, students and colleagues from partner organisations. These conversations highlighted some of the key sources of fear, including the process of investigating concerns raised against osteopaths, and the tone of some of GOsC’s communications with the profession.

The findings report, which showed that the words ‘necessary’ and ‘fear’ were found to be the two most common words associated with the regulator, includes recommendations based on suggestions from those who took part in the research. The recommendations suggest how GOsC can continue to improve the way it engages and communicates with the profession. These recommendations are being considered now and as part of our business plans for 2025-26.

If any osteopaths, students or patients have any queries or ideas in relation to this research that will help us to increase levels of trust in us as the UK regulator for osteopaths, please get in touch by emailing info@osteopathy.org.uk or calling 020 7357 6655 x242

• Read more about the Perceptions Report from DJS Research
• Read the DJS Research Perception Report