PSA sets out its position on GMC reform

The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has published its formal response to the Government’s consultation on reforms to the General Medical Council’s (GMC) legislative framework, broadly supporting the direction of travel while stressing that public protection must remain at the centre of any changes.

The PSA says the proposals—designed to create a more modern, flexible and responsive regulatory system—represent a major step forward, but warns that successful reform will depend on maintaining clear safeguards, ensuring transparent and consistent decision‑making, and managing transition risks effectively. Key points from the PSA’s response include:

• Support for greater GMC flexibility, provided it is matched with strong oversight and transparent processes.

• Backing for a new statutory power enabling the PSA to require information from the GMC, strengthening its ability to scrutinise regulatory decisions.

• Caution around fitness‑to‑practise reforms, which the PSA says must remain fair, consistent and underpinned by robust safeguards.

• Support for retaining and extending appeal powers, including the PSA’s Section 29 powers and new powers to challenge interim decisions.

• Calls for clearer expectations around governance, transparency and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

• Recognition that education, training and registration reforms could help the GMC respond more effectively to workforce needs—so long as standards and public confidence are protected.

The PSA emphasises that while it supports the ambition of a more agile regulatory system, the reforms must be introduced in a way that avoids regulatory gaps and ensures patient safety throughout the transition.