GCC acknowledges fitness to practise challenges as PSA escalates concerns over timeliness

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving regulatory performance after the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) highlighted ongoing concerns about the timeliness of its fitness to practise processes in its latest performance review.

In its 2025/26 periodic review, the PSA concluded that the GCC met 16 of the 18 Standards of Good Regulation, with Standards 10 (accuracy of the register) and 15 (fitness to practise timeliness) not met during the review period. The report covered the period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026 and found that, while the regulator continued to perform well in many areas, concerns remained regarding delays in fitness to practise case progression and increasing numbers of older cases awaiting resolution.

The PSA noted that the GCC met four of the five fitness to practise standards and praised the quality of its investigations, decision-making and support for those involved in proceedings. Auditors found that the regulator generally made appropriate closure decisions, carried out robust investigations and managed risk effectively. However, end-to-end case timeliness showed little improvement compared with previous years, despite progress at earlier stages of the process.

According to the PSA, this is the third consecutive year that the GCC has failed to meet Standard 15 on timeliness. While recognising early signs of improvement, the authority expressed concern about a growing number of cases more than 52 weeks old and an increase in matters awaiting a final hearing. As a result, the PSA decided to escalate its concerns by writing to the Chair of the GCC’s Council and stated that it would continue to monitor progress closely.

Responding to the review, GCC Chair Jonathan McShane wrote to PSA Chair Caroline Corby acknowledging the need for continued improvement while highlighting steps already taken to address the issue. The GCC said it welcomed the PSA’s recognition that its investigations remain robust and that improvements have been achieved at the earlier stages of the fitness to practise process.

The regulator outlined a range of measures aimed at improving case progression and performance, including changes to team structures, a more resilient resourcing model, investment in technology, enhanced performance oversight and the introduction of a Chiropractic Complaints Mediation Service pilot.

The GCC said its Council remains actively engaged in overseeing the improvement programme and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the measures being implemented. It also reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively and transparently with the PSA to strengthen regulatory performance and maintain public protection.

Beyond fitness to practise, the PSA’s review highlighted positive developments in equality, diversity and inclusion work, updates to fitness to practise guidance addressing discriminatory behaviour, and the introduction of the GCC’s new Code of Professional Practice, which came into force on 1 January 2026. The authority also noted two registration errors identified during the review period, leading to the conclusion that Standard 10 on register accuracy was not met.

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