Reflections on my first six months as Chair

Late last month I was invited to speak briefly at the Royal College of Chiropractors Summer Conference in Birmingham and meet some of you. As I travelled home, I reflected on how the conference was a microcosm of all that I had learned about the profession in my visits and conversations since taking over as Chair of Council six months ago.

It is clear to me that, while some may focus on the differences in the profession, what really defines a chiropractor is a desire to make a tangible difference to the patient’s health and a commitment to developing both clinical skills and the profession. I recognise that, done right, it is not an easy role – it can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding – but I’ve also heard how rewarding it can be seeing the change that you are able to make to a patient’s life.

So, while there is always more to learn about the profession, I am now looking inward to the GCC. The foundations for the GCC were laid in The Chiropractors Act (1994) which was passed by Parliament exactly 30 years ago this week. Much has changed since then - the Act envisaged a register that was published annually (with the internet not yet “a thing”) and the register has grown from 900 at the time to close to 4000 now.  Fundamentally though, there is a still a need from patients and the public for clearly defined standards, and the GCC remains the body that sets those standards.

Which brings me to the Code. At the Council meeting in June, we discussed the proposed Code of Professional Practice – the new version of the Code. Council approved a draft code ready for consultation. It has been hard work to get to this point, and credit must be given to everyone who was involved in the Code Conversation over the past six months – the new Code of Professional Practice is undoubtedly richer as a result.

In my opinion, the draft code:

• Builds on the strengths of the existing Code, raising the fundamental standards to create a solid foundation for safer care across the profession.
• Focuses on person-centred care – recognising the diversity of every patient and prioritising personal diagnosis, individual (rather than standardised) plans of care, continual informed consent and regular assessment against the patient’s goals.
• Emphasises the chiropractor’s responsibilities as a healthcare professional – covering vulnerability, power imbalances, boundaries, communication, commitment to development, and engagement with research.
• Fosters collaborative healthcare, effective professional relationships and supportive workplaces by defining responsibilities to colleagues and when delegating or referring patients.
• Better applies to all forms of chiropractic practice – including different clinical approaches, research and education.

However, the consultation would be pointless if we were not able to make further changes. I am sure I can rely on you to objectively review the proposals and provide constructive and specific feedback that will help us to improve the document further.

My reflections on the GCC don’t stop with the Code. As we reach the middle of the decade a lot of organisations are thinking about how they want the world to be by 2030. We are no different and are currently taking stock as to where the GCC might focus its attention and capacity over the next few years. Of course we have our statutory duties to carry out, and the new Code to embed, but we are considering what (if any) role the GCC could play in supporting other aspects of the profession. Can we help enhance research capacity? Can we better understand registrant’s and patients’ expectations? Do we focus on developing more clarity on workforce capacity and future needs? And do we have a role to play in supporting those in the profession who seek integration into local health and care systems?

It is early days, and no decisions have been made, but I am committed to working with you, the registrants, alongside the professional associations, the RCC, the educators and the wider profession over the coming months and years, for the benefit of all chiropractic patients – current and future.