GOsC continues to meet all standards of good regulation

In common with all the health professions’ regulators, the performance of the GOsC is reviewed annually by the PSA to check it is effectively protecting the public and maintaining confidence in the osteopathic profession. All regulators’ performance is measured against a set of standards that cover different areas of work including guidance and standards, education and training, registration and complaints handling.

Tim Walker, Chief Executive and Registrar, said: “We welcome the PSA’s report and are pleased that they have recognised the important work we have done to continue to protect the public and promote confidence in standards of osteopathic practice.”

Key achievements over the last year highlighted by the PSA include:

• A review of the Osteopathic Practice Standards to assess and minimise risks to patient safety
• Revised guidance for students and educational institutions on fitness to practise
• Active engagement with the profession to support the implementation of a new CPD scheme for osteopaths, including the development of practical learning resources
• A new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Osteopathic Accreditation Council, Osteopathy Board of Australia and Osteopathic Council of New Zealand to promote sharing of fitness to practise concerns
• Publication of Guidance on Drafting Determinations to support the work of the GOsC fitness to practise committees that investigate complaints relating to osteopathic practice.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

GOsC Press Office

Tel: 020 7357 6655 x245

Email: pressoffice@osteopathy.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has a statutory duty to regulate the practice of osteopathy in the UK.Osteopaths must be registered with the GOsC in order to practise in the UK.

2. We work with the public and the profession to promote patient safety by:

• registering qualified professionals
• setting, maintaining and developing standards of osteopathic practice and conduct
• assuring the quality of osteopathic education
• ensuring continuing professional development
• helping patients with concerns or complaints about an osteopath.

3. The 2017 statutory Register of osteopaths provides a geographical index of all practising osteopaths, and is available to the general public and to healthcare providers online at: www.osteopathy.org.uk

4. The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care is the body charged by Parliament with overseeing the work of the nine healthcare regulators.

5. The nine health and social care regulators are:

• General Chiropractic Council
• General Dental Council
• General Medical Council
• General Optical Council
• General Osteopathic Council
• General Pharmaceutical Council
• Health and Care Professions Council
• Nursing and Midwifery Council
• Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.

6. The GOsC’s full performance review report is available on the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care website.