CORRECTION: Matthew mentioned that Nova Scotia was the first province to gain regulation in Canada. It was in fact New Brunswick.

In this episode, Gilly speaks with Matthew Redford, Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), about the role of the regulator and the practical support available to osteopaths.

Matthew clarifies common misconceptions about the GOsC, including its responsibilities under the Osteopaths Act, its role in fitness to practise processes, and the difference between regulation and professional promotion. The conversation explores how osteopaths are involved in governance and decision-making, and how the regulator works to protect the public while supporting practitioners.

WhatsApp

Osteopaths can now message us via WhatsApp. Message us on 020 7046 0406 during office hours (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) and we'll do our best to help you with your enquiry.

Drop-in's

Osteopaths can join us every Tuesday from 12noon - 1pm on Zoom to meet and chat with some of our staff. Our 'Chat with GOsC' sessions are an informal space for osteopaths to meet us, ask any questions or discuss any concerns. So far, we've had interesting discussions with osteopaths about topics such as how to fill out the Peer Discussion Review planning section during your CPD cycle and speaking with patients about what they can expect when attending an osteopathy appointment.

Osteopaths should check their most recent ebulletin for the link to join or log in to the o zone to find the Zoom link on the home page.

Independent Support Service

The Independent Support Service, delivered by Victim Support, has supported patients, witnesses and osteopaths involved in the fitness to practise process since 2019. Victim Support is a national charity offering a confidential, safe space to discuss feelings about the process and understand what to expect at each stage.

Osteopaths involved in a fitness to practise case can self-refer by emailing [email protected]
or calling 0300 303 1964. The helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year, with caseworkers available Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm (excluding bank holidays). Alternatively, osteopaths can ask their GOsC contact to make a referral.

Support is available throughout the fitness to practise process and for three months after the case concludes.

More information, including a video extract from the May 2022 fitness to practise webinar, is available here.

Joint-Statement with the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)

We have issued a joint statement with the ASA on protecting the osteopathic title here.

This statement enables osteopaths to raise concerns directly with the ASA about advertising that may mislead the public regarding the status, qualifications or experience of those providing services (including osteopathic techniques). The ASA has the power to ban misleading or irresponsible advertising.

Concerns about advertising used by unregulated individuals can be raised here.

You can find general information about myth-busting here.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Get a signed copy of Gilly’s book Osteobiz Guide To Fearless Marketing here.