Education Standards public consultation launched

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) has launched a consultation on its draft Education Standards to replace those published in 2017.

The draft Education Standards is the culmination of 18 months of work to review, revise and update the current Standards. Key changes within the draft Education Standards include:

• placing patients and their safety at the core of chiropractic learning

• taking into account developments within the chiropractic profession, increased focus on multi-disciplinary learning and healthcare professions working more closely together, thereby ensuring graduates meet the opportunities to care for patients in different contexts
• embedding the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion 
• emphasising the integration of critically appraised evidence into practice. New chiropractors will be equipped with knowledge and skills to appraise and use evidence in their professional practice

• providing a realistic and comprehensive set of outcomes to be met by graduates on recognised programmes, demonstrating an ability to practise in accordance with the GCC Code
• remaining consistent, as appropriate, with the outcomes set by other UK healthcare frameworks and standards.

Nick Jones, Chief Executive and Registrar at the General Chiropractic Council, said:

“Patients must experience chiropractic treatment provided by a healthcare professional who places their safety and health needs at the centre of their practice while delivering high-quality, evidence-based modern care. This consultation is an exciting step toward a more robust and up-to-date set of Education Standards for chiropractic in the UK, with patients and their care at its heart.

“We have embedded three critical themes throughout the Education Standards: placing patients at the centre of their care, promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and integrating the evidence-base in learning and care. 

“We set out our expectations of chiropractic learning programmes teaching ethical, professional care and producing highly competent healthcare professionals who can serve the growing needs of patients in a primary contact setting.”

Consultation submissions

The GCC seeks submissions from all stakeholders, individuals and organisations. We are especially keen to seek views from chiropractic patients and the public. At the end of the consultation period, all responses will be reviewed and evaluated with revised Education Standards presented to the GCC Education Committee in November and Council in December for approval and implementation in early 2023.

To view the draft Education Standards and submit your views and comments, visit our consultation page.

The deadline for consultation submissions is 16 September 2022 (noon)