GOsC Case Examiners Osteopath Guide: Who Decides Your Case?
Many osteopaths search for the role of GOsC case examiners osteopath cases depend on, expecting the same system used by other regulators. The GOsC does things a little differently. It uses independent osteopath screeners and an Investigating Committee to do the work other regulators give to case examiners, so understanding the GOsC case examiners osteopath process means knowing who those decision makers are.
This guide explains, from a regulatory viewpoint, who decides what at each early stage of a GOsC case, what they can close, what they can refer and how an osteopath can engage well. It is not clinical or legal advice.
What Is the GOsC Case Examiners Osteopath Role?
In regulation, a case examiner is a decision maker who decides at an early stage whether a concern should be closed, resolved or sent to a hearing. In the GOsC's investigation stages, that role is split between two groups, so the GOsC case examiners osteopath question has two answers.
The table shows who does what at each GOsC case examiners osteopath stage.
| Decision Maker | Who They Are | What They Decide |
|---|---|---|
| Screener | An independent osteopath member of the Investigating Committee | Whether the GOsC can investigate the concern at all |
| Investigating Committee | Osteopaths and lay members, chaired by a lay person | Whether there is a case to answer, and where a case goes next |
| Professional Conduct or Health Committee | Panels of osteopaths and lay members, with a doctor on the Health Committee | Whether allegations are proved and what sanction applies |
How Do Screeners Fill the GOsC Case Examiners Osteopath Role?
At the GOsC case examiners osteopath screening stage, a screener reviews each concern once the GOsC is satisfied it has enough detail. They apply the GOsC's threshold criteria for unacceptable professional conduct, which list the types of concern that would not normally amount to it, and they can refer to the Initial Closure Procedure and the Guidance for Screeners.
A screener decides whether the GOsC has the power to investigate
A screener will not close a concern without talking to a lay member of the Investigating Committee, unless the Initial Closure Procedure applies
The GOsC says a screener reviews a concern within 9 weeks of receipt, and around half of the cases screened are closed with no further action
This first stage is the earliest point at which a GOsC case examiners osteopath decision can end a matter, which is why it matters that the information supplied is accurate and complete.
What Does the Investigating Committee Decide in a GOsC Case Examiners Osteopath Case?
Once a concern passes the first GOsC case examiners osteopath stage, the GOsC investigates. It usually contacts the osteopath, sends them the details of the concern and asks for a response. It may take witness statements and ask for information from other people. The Investigating Committee then considers everything, normally within 26 weeks of receiving the concern.
The committee decides whether the allegations would amount to one of four things:
Unacceptable professional conduct
Professional incompetence
A UK criminal conviction relevant to the osteopath's work
A medical condition that seriously affects the osteopath's ability to practise
If it finds no case to answer, the concern is not looked into further and the reasons are explained. If it finds a case to answer, a public hearing is arranged before the Professional Conduct Committee, or the matter goes to the Health Committee, which meets in private and can consider cases without a hearing. The committee is assisted by the Investigating Committee Decision-making Guidance and the threshold criteria in every GOsC case examiners osteopath decision.
Can a GOsC Case Examiners Osteopath Decision Stop You Practising?
Rarely. The GOsC's page on its supporting guidance and procedures lists the guidance on interim suspension orders. An osteopath might be stopped from practising until a case is completed only in cases involving very significant sexual boundary issues, police charges for a serious offence or patient care that falls to low standards.
Screeners and GOsC staff cannot make that decision. Only the Investigating Committee can impose an interim suspension order, although the Professional Conduct Committee and Health Committee can also do so pending an appeal. This is an important point for any osteopath worried about a GOsC case examiners osteopath decision stopping their work.
How to Engage With the GOsC Case Examiners Osteopath Process
These steps help an osteopath engage well with the GOsC case examiners osteopath stages:
Read the GOsC's letter carefully and note every deadline
Take independent advice from your insurer, professional body or a regulatory solicitor
Respond accurately and honestly, because probity is judged alongside the original concern
Address the specific allegations rather than giving a general account
Show insight, with evidence of reflection and any learning you have undertaken
Osteopaths who want to see how standards are measured at every stage can read our guide to GOsC professional standards, which explains what regulators look for.
Practices and employers supporting several osteopaths through concerns can review our bulk-buy offer for group access.
Conclusion
The GOsC case examiners osteopath question comes down to two groups, screeners and the Investigating Committee, who decide whether a concern is closed or goes forward. Most concerns end at these early stages, so engaging honestly and with evidence matters. Our CPD-certified courses by regulator include ethics and professionalism training for osteopaths.
If a concern has already been raised about you, our guide to dealing with a GOsC investigation explains how to respond at each stage.
Key Takeaways
- GOsC Case Examiners Osteopath Guide: Who Decides Your Case? Many osteopaths search for the role of GOsC case examiners osteopath cases depend on, expecting the same system used by other regulators.
- Which course should I take for a GOsC complaint or investigation? Match the course to the allegation — Which course do I need? lists them by concern; for osteopaths, the GOsC ethics and GOsC professionalism courses follow the Osteopathic Practice Standards.
- Will a course help my GOsC investigation? A course is evidence of insight and remediation, which the GOsC Investigating Committee look for — strongest with a written reflection and changes in your practice. No course can guarantee an outcome.
- When should I send the certificate and reflection to the GOsC? With your written response, before the GOsC Investigating Committee decide — or before the GOsC Professional Conduct Committee or a review if the case has gone further.
- Can I finish the course before my deadline, and is it CPD accredited? Yes — it is online and self-paced with a certificate on completion, and CPD certified and accredited by The CPD Certification Service, counting towards your GOsC CPD.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the GOsC Have Case Examiners?
**A: **Not under that title for osteopaths. The GOsC's published process refers to screeners and the Investigating Committee, which together perform the GOsC case examiners osteopath function of deciding whether a concern is closed, investigated or referred to a hearing.
What Does a GOsC Screener Do?
**A: **A screener is an independent osteopath who reviews a concern against the GOsC's threshold criteria to decide whether it can investigate. They will not close a concern without talking to a lay member of the Investigating Committee, except under the Initial Closure Procedure.
Who Sits on the Investigating Committee?
**A: **It is made up of osteopaths and lay members and chaired by a lay person. Members are appointed through open recruitment and scrutinised by the Professional Standards Authority, so decisions are not made by the GOsC's staff alone.
How Many Concerns Reach the Investigating Committee?
**A: **The GOsC receives around 75 concerns a year, and about 25 go to the Investigating Committee. The committee closes 41% of the cases it considers, and only about half of those it refers reach the Professional Conduct Committee.
How Long Does the Investigating Committee Take to Decide?
**A: **The GOsC says cases are considered by the Investigating Committee within 26 weeks of receiving the concern. A case that goes to a Professional Conduct Committee hearing takes further time, so a GOsC case examiners osteopath decision is only the first step.
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 professional body or defence organisation.
The CPD courses linked from this guide, How to Deal with a Complaint or Investigation, Module on Insight and Professionalism and Professional Standards for Osteopaths, are by Probity & Ethics, written by Dr Shehzad Iqbal, CPD certified and accredited by The CPD Certification Service (provider no. 13197) and offered since 2020.
