GCC welcomes findings of PSA review confirming strong performance and ongoing improvements

In the monitoring report for 2024–2025, the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) confirmed that the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) continues to perform strongly, meeting 17 out of the 18 Standards of Good Regulation. 

Standard 15 was not met, relating to the time taken to progress fitness to practise investigations. The PSA recognised that while this remains a challenge, the GCC had taken significant steps, including introducing a new case management system and appointing new Professional Conduct Committee Chairs, and welcomed the commitment by us to drive further improvement. 

Across the remaining 17 standards, the PSA highlighted the GCC’s strong performance and commended areas of good practice, specifically: 

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): The GCC continues to perform strongly, with stakeholders praising its leadership and recognising signs of positive change within the profession. 

• The new Code of Professional Practice: Following extensive pre-consultation and consultation, the Code was published in December 2024. It introduces new principles and values, reinforcing patient-centred care and setting clear expectations for registrants. The Code takes effect from 1 January 2026. 

• Stakeholder engagement: The GCC was praised for meaningful consultation and collaboration, with particular recognition of its work with patients, education providers, and the wider healthcare sector. 

• Education and Training: The Clinical Placement Strategy 2025–30 was developed collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure high-quality and consistent placements across the UK. 

Nick Jones, Chief Executive and Registrar, said: 

“Our foremost responsibility is to ensure patients can have confidence in safe, high-quality chiropractic care. We recognise how important it is to progress investigations efficiently, and we are working hard to achieve this. The PSA has recognised the steps we’ve taken, including new systems and leadership in fitness to practise, and we are confident these will deliver real progress. 

More broadly, the report shows that the GCC is performing well in almost every area, with particular recognition of our work on EDI, our new Code of Professional Practice, and our engagement with stakeholders. This is testament to the commitment and expertise of colleagues, partners and staff, and we are determined to build on this strong foundation.” 

Jonathan McShane, Chair of Council, said: 

“I am delighted that the PSA has once again recognised the GCC’s strong performance, meeting 17 out of 18 standards. There is much to celebrate in this report – from our new Code of Professional Practice, to our leadership on EDI, to the progress being made in education and training. 

The areas where improvement is needed are clear, and the Council and executive team are focused on making that progress. This independent assurance from the PSA is a strong signal to the profession and the public that the GCC is committed to high standards and continuous improvement.” 

Notes to Editors 

• The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is an independent statutory body for the chiropractic profession. Created under the 1994 Chiropractors Act, the GCC’s purpose is to protect, promote and maintain the health, safety and wellbeing of chiropractic patients and the public. 

• The GCC is the smallest of the ten healthcare regulators under the Professional Standards Authority. There were 3,993 chiropractors on the register as at 30 June 2025. 

• The Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care oversees 10 statutory bodies that regulate health and social care professionals in the UK. 

• More information about the PSA is available at professionalstandards.org.uk. 

• For more information about the GCC, contact Shika Vowotor (s.vowotor@gcc-uk.org) at the General Chiropractic Council.