Blog: Considering the GGC’s CPD review through the lens of right-touch regulation 

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is progressing its review of its continuing professional development (CPD) model and reporting process. Activity is moving into an exploratory phase, ahead of formal consultation on review proposals in 2027.  

It is helpful to consider the review through the lens of ‘right-touch regulation’ to bring due scrutiny to possible changes to the GCC’s CPD model and process. This blog explains what right-touch regulation means, its relevance to the CPD review, and how we plan to apply the principles in the review.   

What is right-touch regulation? 

Right-touch regulation is a concept, underpinned by principles and guidance. It is promoted by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (the PSA), the oversight body for statutory professional regulators in health and care in the UK. The principles of right-touch regulation are reflected in the GCC’s 2026-30 strategy. 

The concept of right-touch regulation is about regulatory arrangements being focused and purposeful in serving their primary purpose of upholding the public interest and patient safety. It has a strong focus on proportionality. This highlights the need for regulatory arrangements to have a clear, intentional role, informed by data, evidence and appraisal of risk, and the importance of arrangements not overstepping regulatory purpose and role.

The full set of principles articulate that regulatory arrangements need to be  

• Proportionate 
• Transparent 
• Accountable  
• Consistent 
• Targeted  
• Agile. 

Why apply right-touch regulation principles to the CPD review? 

There is value in applying the principles of right-touch regulation to GCC’s CPD review. This includes to promote consideration of the following in developing and considering possible changes to the current CPD model and process: 

• How would possible changes assure the public and patients that chiropractors remain up-to-date, current and safe in their practice?  
• How does the GCC best achieve proportionality in its arrangements? 
• How would possible changes be targeted and transparent?     
• How would possible changes demonstrate agility by being inclusive, responsive and resilient in the context of changing needs?  

Applying the principles in the review should have the following benefits:  

• Provide a shared structure for engagement and input. 
• Promote scrutiny and constructive challenge. 
• Enhance the review’s final outcomes.  
• Generate learning to inform wider GCC activity.   

How will we apply right-touch regulation principles? 

We are building right-touch regulation principles into the CPD review project. This includes in how the project team is progressing the project, how the review is being overseen through GCC governance processes, and how registrant, public and patient involvement will be sought in the review. We will highlight the principles in how we encourage input and feedback as we pursue initial stakeholder engagement on possible changes and as we then move to formal consultation on proposed changes.  

For more information about the PSA’s right-touch regulation principles, see: Right-touch regulation | PSA 

For more information about the GCC’s CPD review, see: Blog: Introduction to the CPD Conversation | GCC 

For the GCC’s strategy, see:  GCC Strategy 2026-30 | GCC