GOsC Investigation and Adjudication: Fitness to Practise Procedures
Complaints and the role of the GOSC
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) is the regulatory body responsible for osteopaths.
It is essential for osteopaths in the UK to be accepted on to the GOsC Register in order to work. There are currently over 4,000 registrants (including some practicing abroad) on the Register. The remit of the GOsC is set out in the Osteopaths Act 1993. The work of the GOsC is governed by this and other associated legislation.
Most cases of alleged impairment are referred by employers and the police. However, anyone can refer an allegation to the GOsC. They will not normally take action if the information is provided anonymously, but if they feel it relates to serious and credible concerns about a registrant’s fitness to practice, they might consider whether they should take further action to protect the public.
When the GOsC can take action
As part of their duty to protect the public, the GOsC have the power to take action by either removing or restricting an osteopath's registration if they fall seriously short of the high standards expected. They cover all registered osteopaths whether they work in the NHS or in private practice. The GOsC can consider cases where a registrant's fitness to practise may be impaired due to their:
- Conduct which falls below the standards required of a registered osteopath
- A lack of professional competence
- A conviction for a criminal offence in the United Kingdom
- Physical or mental health
GOsC Sanction and Disposal options
- Admonishment
- Set conditions of practice that you must meet
- Suspend you from practicing for a fixed period of time
- Strike your name from the GOsC Register (which means you will not be able to practice)
- Interim suspension order
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