Registration with the General Chiropractic Council

It is illegal for anyone in the UK to use the title ‘chiropractor’ or to imply that they are a chiropractor unless they are registered with the GCC.

By law, the GCC:

• check those who apply for registration to make sure that they have a chiropractic qualification, are of good character and are physically and mentally fit,
• set and monitor standards of education and training,
• set standards of practice and conduct,
• deal with any complaints about the conduct or practice of chiropractors.

There are three categories of applicant for registration with the GCC. There are:

• those who hold a qualification recognised by the GCC,
• foreign qualified applicants who hold an equivalent qualification and pass a test of competence,
• EU nationals or their spouses who meet the requirements of Directive 2005/36/EC.

If you fall within the second or third category, you may find it helpful to read the GCC guidance note on the application process for those with non-UK qualifications and/or who have been practising in another EU member state. As with other healthcare regulators, it is essential that the Registrar that they are of good character and physically/mentally fit before registration will be accepted.

It is important to be honest and open when providing information concerning your fitness to practise, as a failure to do so is likely to lead to an allegation of dishonest conduct.

If you have received a conviction, caution, fixed penalty notice or have a fitness to practise history with another regulator/employer, it is likely you will have to provide additional submissions to the Registrar as to why your application should be granted.

We have experience in assisting healthcare professionals in these circumstances and can advise you on the most appropriate way to respond to any queries raised by the GCC.