GCC · CPD Evidence Guide
GCC CPD Evidence: What Counts for Chiropractors in 2026
GCC CPD evidence is the documented proof that a chiropractor's annual learning meets General Chiropractic Council rules: a personal learning plan, at least 30 hours of CPD, reflective statements and records of learning with others. The GCC audits CPD summaries at random and can remove registrants who wilfully fail to comply. The same GCC CPD evidence can also help show insight and remediation if a fitness to practise concern arises. This guide explains what the GCC accepts, how to record it and how to avoid common weaknesses.
Key Takeaways
- GCC CPD evidence must show a personal learning plan, at least 30 hours of CPD each year and 15 hours or more of learning with others.
- Chiropractors complete their annual CPD summary on the GCC portal by 31 August, and the GCC audits summaries at random.
- For the 2026–27 CPD year, GCC CPD evidence must include a focused reflection on professional boundaries under Principle E of the new Code.
- Strong GCC CPD evidence is specific, dated and reflective; generic comments and generic AI-written reflections do not demonstrate meaningful learning.
- Relevant, dated and reflective GCC CPD evidence can support insight and remediation in a fitness to practise matter, but no course guarantees an outcome.
What Is GCC CPD Evidence?
GCC CPD evidence is the record a chiropractor keeps to show that CPD was planned, completed and evaluated as the GCC's CPD rules require. It includes the learning plan, hours logged, reflective statements and proof of learning with others, all set out in the GCC's CPD requirements.
| Element | Strong GCC CPD evidence | Weak GCC CPD evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Specific to the activity and your own practice | A general comment about learning |
| Learning with others | Signed note of topics, date, hours and attendees | A recorded webinar watched alone |
| Link to practice | Improves patient care or the profession | Business growth or personal interest |
| Timing | Recorded throughout the year | Assembled just before the deadline |
What Counts as GCC CPD Evidence for Chiropractors?
GCC CPD evidence counts when the activity is genuine learning that advances your professional development as a chiropractor, improves patient care or develops the profession. Each year you must:
- Identify your learning needs and set a personal plan
- Record at least 30 hours, with 15 or more learning with others
- Evaluate how effective the learning was
Normal working activities do not count. Seminars, live webinars with questions and case discussions with colleagues qualify as learning with others, but a recorded webinar watched alone or an email exchange does not. Activities such as social media, voluntary work, committee work or teaching count only if you state what you learned.
How Should Chiropractors Record GCC CPD Evidence?
Chiropractors should record GCC CPD evidence throughout the CPD year, because the GCC encourages registrants to upload evidence as they learn rather than at the deadline.
- Plan: identify learning needs and write a personal plan.
- Record: log each activity with its date, hours and learning outcome.
- Evidence: for informal learning with others, note the topics, date, hours and attendees, and ask attendees to sign.
- Reflect: answer the reflective questions specifically for each activity, in your own words.
- Submit: upload evidence and complete the summary on the GCC portal by 31 August.
In the GCC's 2020/21 audit, 87% of registrants showed good reflective learning, and those who did not were asked to resubmit.
What Does the 2026–27 Focused Reflection Require?
GCC CPD evidence for the CPD year from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027 must include a focused reflection on professional boundaries, drawn from Principle E of the Code of Professional Practice, which took effect on 1 January 2026.
Your response must identify the Principle E standard you reflected on, relate it to your own role and explain how the reflection has informed or will inform your practice. The GCC says summarising the Code is unlikely to show meaningful reflection, and AI should not generate generic reflective content.
Chiropractors who want structured support in reflecting on professionalism, probity and professional boundaries can complete our CPD certified and accredited ethics course for chiropractors.
How Does GCC CPD Evidence Matter in Fitness to Practise Cases?
GCC CPD evidence matters in fitness to practise cases because an independent Investigating Committee of chiropractors and lay members reviews the information and decides whether to refer a concern to the Professional Conduct Committee or the Health Committee, as the GCC sets out in how it investigates concerns.
The GCC can also seek interim orders, including suspension, where there is an immediate risk to the public. In 2024 the Professional Conduct Committee determined 11 cases and found unacceptable professional conduct in five.
Where a concern is raised, CPD that is relevant to the Code standard at issue, dated after the concern and supported by reflective notes can help show insight and remediation. Separately, a registrant who wilfully fails to meet CPD requirements can be removed from the register, with an appeal possible within 28 days.
Chiropractors who need targeted, dated learning evidence can explore our GCC courses for chiropractors, which support a documented record of professional development.
Clinics and employers supporting several chiropractors through concerns can review our bulk-buy offer for group access.
Conclusion
GCC CPD evidence is more than an annual administrative task: it is the record that shows a chiropractor is keeping knowledge current, reflecting honestly and putting patients first. The strongest GCC CPD evidence is planned early, recorded throughout the year, specific to each activity and written in the chiropractor's own words. Meet the 30-hour and 15-hour thresholds, complete the 2026–27 professional boundaries reflection and keep dated proof of every activity. Treat each reflection as a record of genuine change, not a box to tick. Speak to your professional body or defence organisation if a concern arises, and browse our CPD certified and accredited online ethics courses to start building your evidence today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as CPD evidence?
GCC CPD evidence is a record of learning that supports your personal plan: at least 30 hours a year, with 15 or more learning with others, plus specific reflective statements. Activities must be genuine learning that advances your professional development as a chiropractor; routine working activities do not count.
How many hours of CPD do chiropractors need each year?
Chiropractors must complete and record at least 30 hours of CPD each CPD year, of which 15 hours or more is learning with others. New or returning registrants complete 2.5 hours for each full month registered, with half as learning with others. GCC CPD evidence is submitted by 31 August.
What is the GCC focused reflection for 2026–27?
For the CPD year from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027, every registrant must reflect on professional boundaries, using one or more standards in Principle E of the Code of Professional Practice. The reflection should explain what was learned and how it has influenced, or will influence, practice.
What happens if a chiropractor does not meet GCC CPD requirements?
The GCC will try to open a dialogue first. Where a registrant does not engage or the CPD does not meet the standard, the Registrar may remove them from the register. An appeal must be lodged within 28 days, and part or all of the requirement can be waived in exceptional circumstances such as ill health or bereavement.
Can CPD evidence help in a GCC fitness to practise case?
Relevant CPD can help show insight and remediation, particularly when it addresses the Code standard at issue, is dated after the concern and includes honest reflection. Strong GCC CPD evidence does not guarantee an outcome, so take advice from your defence organisation or a regulatory solicitor.
This guide is for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, contact a specialist regulatory solicitor or your medical defence organisation.
The CPD course linked from this guide, Ethics and Ethical Standards for Chiropractors, is by Probity & Ethics, written by Dr Shehzad Iqbal, CPD certified and accredited by The CPD Certification Service (provider no. 13197) and offered since 2020.
