If a concern is upheld and proceeds to a hearing, the registrant will receive a letter, which is often attached to email, from a caseworker telling them that we have made a decision to hold a hearing before our Professional Conduct Committee or Health Committee.

Hearings are held by the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) and are usually open to the public and press, unless there is a special reason why some or all of the hearing needs to be held in private.

A hearing is similar to court proceedings and participants, including witnesses, will give evidence on oath.

After hearing all the evidence, the PCC will withdraw to decide in private whether any allegation has been proved. They will announce their decision in the public hearing. Their decisions can be admonishment, conditions of practise, suspension, or removal from the register.

You can find out more about investigation and hearing timelines in the Investigation Process section.

All hearings are listed in the Future Hearings section.

Where hearings are held

Hearings are typically held remotely or, where appropriate, in a blended format (where some participants, including witnesses, attend in person while others join by video conference), or fully in person. In each case we carefully consider what the hearing arrangement should be. This may include taking into account any disabilities or other vulnerabilities or requirements of any of the participants. It is important that any matters are identified in advance, so we can ensure that all those involved in proceedings are able to participate effectively.

Information for the press

Press are welcome at hearings of the Professional Conduct Committee. No recording of the hearing is permitted. Press and public are requested not to talk or move around during the hearing.

The charges facing an osteopath can be provided on request after they have been read out near the start of proceedings. If you have any questions or require further information, you should speak to the hearings officer or clerk, but only when they are not busy with keeping the hearing running smoothly.

Information for observers

If you would like to attend a public hearing as an observer, please email regulation@osteopathy.org.uk

Please make sure you email by 12pm on the last working day before the hearing. For example, if the hearing is on a Monday, please email us by 12pm on the Friday before.

When emailing us, please include your name, your association with the osteopath (if any), and the hearing day(s) you wish to observe. You must also confirm in your email that you have read this ‘information for observers’ section of our website. Our Hearings Coordinator will then contact you to make the necessary arrangements for you to attend.

If the hearing is being held in person, you must wait in the reception area until you are called in to be seated in the hearing room.

The Hearings Coordinator will email you a link if the hearing is being held remotely.

Throughout the remote hearing, observers are expected to follow the online hearing guidance or the in-person hearing guidance on conduct and behaviour expected as an observer. Observers must avoid distracting any of the hearing participants in any other way. In the event that an observer interrupts or disrupts the hearing, the Chair may remove and/or restrict observers.

If you require assistance prior to the hearing or have any technical issues, please please email regulation@osteopathy.org.uk as soon as possible.