The Fitness to Practice Annual Report contains information about the sanctions administered by the Professional Conduct Committee as a result of fitness to practise hearings held in the period leading up to March 31 2023. 

The Professional Conduct Committee addresses cases related to unacceptable professional behaviour, professional incompetence, and relevant criminal convictions. If any such case is deemed 'well founded' by the Committee, it is obligated to impose a sanction on the osteopath involved. 

This year's report outlines several enhancements made to the Fitness to Practise procedures as part of the General Osteopathic Council’s (GOsC) ongoing efforts to improve them. These include: 

• Reviewing the Whistleblowing Handling Concerns Policy to ensure it remains relevant and easily accessible. 

• Hosting a joint webinar with the General Chiropractic Council to promote collaboration and learning between professionals. 

• Publishing another edition of the Insights on Fitness to Practise bulletin. 

The report also highlights the Independent Support Service, provided by Victim Support, which offers free and confidential assistance to osteopaths and other witnesses involved in fitness to practise investigations. 

Addressing matters related to osteopaths' fitness to practise is a crucial aspect of the GOsC's responsibility to regulate the profession and safeguard both the public and the profession's reputation. 

These annual reports serve as a resource for osteopaths, offering guidance on the stringent standards of conduct and practice necessary to maintain registration. 

Click here to read the full report: https://www.osteopathy.org.uk/news-and-resources/news/gosc-publishes-fitness-to-practise-report-for-2022-23/