What to expect at a GOsC Professional Practice Committee hearing — how hearings are conducted, what evidence is considered, what the panel assesses, the sanctions available, and how to prepare effectively.
A GOsC Professional Practice Committee hearing is the formal public hearing stage in osteopathic fitness to practise proceedings. Understanding what happens and how to prepare can significantly influence the outcome.
A GOsC Professional Practice Committee (PPC) hearing is the formal hearing stage where, following investigation and case examiner review, the GOsC determines whether an osteopath's fitness to practise is impaired and if so what sanction is appropriate.
PPC hearings are held in public. The outcome is publicly recorded on the osteopathic register. Cases can and do resolve before reaching a PPC hearing, through agreed outcomes at case examiner stage, meaning a hearing is not automatic.
The guide to GOsC case examiners covers the stage before a hearing is required.
GOsC PPC hearings follow a structured process with three distinct stages: facts (whether the allegation is proved), impairment (whether fitness to practise is impaired if facts are proved), and sanction (what outcome is appropriate where impairment is found).
The panel typically includes registered osteopath members and lay members. The GOsC's presenting officer presents the case. The osteopath, who should always be legally represented, responds through their legal representative. Evidence is heard, witnesses may be called, and legal submissions are made at each stage.
The complete investigation evidence; the osteopath's own submissions and any witnesses called; and the remediation evidence, CPD certificates with specific reflective notes, the reflective statement, supervisor reports, and the personal development plan. The quality of the remediation evidence, specifically its relevance, timing, and
reflective depth, directly influences both the impairment and sanction assessments. The guide to GOsC remediation evidence covers how to build and present this file.
The guide to GOsC CPD evidence explains which courses carry most weight at this stage.
CPD Certified — Online — Immediate Access
Where fitness to practise is found impaired: a formal warning (least serious, not restricting practice); conditions of practice; suspension; or removal from the register. The full implications of each outcome are in the GOsC sanctions guide.
The panel applies GOsC sanction guidance and must impose the least restrictive sanction that adequately protects the public. Compelling remediation evidence, particularly early, targeted CPD with specific reflective notes, consistently supports more proportionate outcomes.
Instruct specialist legal representation, through the iO or an independent regulatory solicitor, well in advance. Ensure the complete remediation evidence file is comprehensive and up to date.
Review all evidence disclosed by the GOsC with your legal representative. Prepare your personal statement ensuring complete consistency with all other submitted documents.
The guide to GOsC insight and remediation covers how to present the most compelling case to the panel.
UK-registered GOsC professionals can access professional ethics training through Healthcare Ethics Courses.
Professionals with connections to Canada can consult professional development in Canada.
Those with connections to Ireland can review ethics training in Ireland.
10 CPD-certified courses for £500. CPD completed and presented with specific reflective notes before a GOsC hearing is among the most persuasive remediation evidence available to any osteopath.
Bulk Buy 10 Courses →The formal public hearing stage in osteopathic fitness to practise proceedings — where the GOsC determines whether fitness to practise is impaired and what sanction is appropriate.
Yes — PPC hearings are held in public and the outcome is publicly recorded on the osteopathic register.
Facts first, then impairment, then sanction — three distinct stages with different considerations at each.
Warning (not restricting practice); conditions of practice; suspension; or removal from the osteopathic register.
Investigation evidence, the osteopath's submissions and witnesses, and the complete remediation evidence file.
Yes — strong, specific remediation evidence consistently leads to more proportionate GOsC outcomes.
Yes — legal representation from the iO or an independent regulatory solicitor is essential.
Yes — to the appropriate court within the appeal timeframe. Specialist legal advice is essential.
Yes — many cases resolve at case examiner stage through agreed outcomes, avoiding a full PPC hearing.
Complete the remediation evidence file; instruct specialist legal representation well in advance; review all disclosed evidence; and prepare your personal statement with complete consistency.
The iO provides regulatory support and access to specialist legal advice to members. Contact the iO well in advance of any scheduled hearing.
A formal warning — recorded on the osteopathic register but not restricting practice.
Registered osteopath members and lay members — ensuring both professional and public perspectives in the assessment.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Seek independent advice from a specialist regulatory solicitor.
