Chair of chiropractic regulator to step down

Mary joined the GCC in August 2017, steering the GCC through many challenges including the accreditation of two new chiropractic education institutions (in London and Teesside); setting new Education Standards; holding course through the pandemic; and stabilising the organisation and finances of the GCC through the application of good governance.

Looking back on her time at the GCC, Mary said:

“I have relished the opportunity I have had to support the development of the chiropractic profession through effective regulation. During this time, despite the constraints of our outdated legislation, the GCC has made strides in providing better information and guidance to chiropractors, in encouraging a more focused approach to CPD, in improving Fitness to Practice processes and in renewing the Education Standards for the profession. We have been pleased to have the GCC’s progress acknowledged by the Professional Standards Authority in their annual assessments of our performance.”

Giving her reasons for leaving the GCC, she said:

“The issue that has prompted my decision to stand down before the end of my second term of appointment is the slow progress of Regulatory Reform. The cascade of DHSC work in hand for the GMC is unlikely to have an impact for the GCC until 2025, the year I was due to stand down. I consider it important for there to be an established Chair in place at that time, with a sufficient period of office ahead of them to lead the organisation through whatever transition ensues.”

Nick Jones, GCC Registrar and CEO said:

“Mary’s decision must have been a difficult one, but it is typical of her leadership that she has put the chiropractic profession and patients first, by ensuring a smooth handover to her successor, and giving them the opportunity to become established before the anticipated reforms affect the GCC.

The process of recruiting a new chair will commence in September, with the expectation that we will make a recommendation to the Privy Council before the end of the year.”

Speaking directly to the chiropractic profession, Mary concluded:

“The partnership work between the GCC team, the professional associations, the Royal College of Chiropractors and the education institutions has been fundamental to the progress made. I am grateful for the engagement and support for the initiatives we have taken. It is particularly encouraging to note the positive response to the programme of work to improve diversity and inclusion within the profession and within the GCC and its approach to its regulatory functions.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with chiropractic leaders who demonstrate such an intense concern for the future well-being of their patients and their profession.”

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