General Osteopathic Council

The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) is one of the 13 health and social care regulators in the UK that are set up with the primary aim of protecting the public. It is regulated by the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.

The GOsC was established in 1997 following the Osteopaths Act 1993 to 'provide for the regulation of the profession of osteopathy'. It produced the first Statutory Register of Osteopaths in 2000 after an arbitrary, abusive exam system that favoured osteopaths trained in certain schools over others. MPs were so incensed that they held an Adjournment debate but the Government prevented any action. The Government have also stifled any negative opinions against the GOsC expressed in the media with Restriction Notices.

The aims of the GOsC are:
 * To protect patients
 * To develop the osteopathic profession
 * To promote an understanding of osteopathic care

The GOsC:
 * Registers qualified professionals
 * Sets standards of osteopathic practice and conduct
 * Assures the quality of osteopathic education
 * Ensures Continuing Professional Development
 * Helps patients with complaints about an osteopath