Professional Standards Authority
@prof-standards.bsky.social
We are the UK’s oversight body for the regulation and registration of people working in health and social care.
Our January 2026 PSA email update is now live.
This edition includes:
✔️Performance reviews of the GMC and GDC
✔️Our latest responses
✔️Insights from the 2025 Research Conference, including the human impact of regulation
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This edition includes:
✔️Performance reviews of the GMC and GDC
✔️Our latest responses
✔️Insights from the 2025 Research Conference, including the human impact of regulation
1/2
February 2, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Our January 2026 PSA email update is now live.
This edition includes:
✔️Performance reviews of the GMC and GDC
✔️Our latest responses
✔️Insights from the 2025 Research Conference, including the human impact of regulation
1/2
This edition includes:
✔️Performance reviews of the GMC and GDC
✔️Our latest responses
✔️Insights from the 2025 Research Conference, including the human impact of regulation
1/2
This year promises to be one of action, collaboration, and innovation. From implementing new schemes to driving reform and promoting safer choices, the PSA is ready to contribute.
Read PSA Chair, Caroline Corby's blog here: https://ow.ly/T1kN50Y61gA
Read PSA Chair, Caroline Corby's blog here: https://ow.ly/T1kN50Y61gA
January 30, 2026 at 4:02 PM
This year promises to be one of action, collaboration, and innovation. From implementing new schemes to driving reform and promoting safer choices, the PSA is ready to contribute.
Read PSA Chair, Caroline Corby's blog here: https://ow.ly/T1kN50Y61gA
Read PSA Chair, Caroline Corby's blog here: https://ow.ly/T1kN50Y61gA
What can regulators do to embed patient insight into their standards or guidance?
We spoke to Chief Executive of the General Osteopathic Council, and this is what he told us.
We spoke to Chief Executive of the General Osteopathic Council, and this is what he told us.
January 26, 2026 at 6:31 PM
What can regulators do to embed patient insight into their standards or guidance?
We spoke to Chief Executive of the General Osteopathic Council, and this is what he told us.
We spoke to Chief Executive of the General Osteopathic Council, and this is what he told us.
Donna Campbell, Assistant Ombudsman at the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), shared why a genuine apology can make all the difference in complaint handling.
Download the presentation: https://ow.ly/jp4s50Y1NuK
Download the presentation: https://ow.ly/jp4s50Y1NuK
January 23, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Donna Campbell, Assistant Ombudsman at the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), shared why a genuine apology can make all the difference in complaint handling.
Download the presentation: https://ow.ly/jp4s50Y1NuK
Download the presentation: https://ow.ly/jp4s50Y1NuK
These are some of the ways people can feel after raising a complaint.
For many, their experience confirms the fears they had before starting the process.
Learn about the experiences of people who complain to a health or social care regulator, here: https://ow.ly/hCkk50Y0EBC
For many, their experience confirms the fears they had before starting the process.
Learn about the experiences of people who complain to a health or social care regulator, here: https://ow.ly/hCkk50Y0EBC
January 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM
These are some of the ways people can feel after raising a complaint.
For many, their experience confirms the fears they had before starting the process.
Learn about the experiences of people who complain to a health or social care regulator, here: https://ow.ly/hCkk50Y0EBC
For many, their experience confirms the fears they had before starting the process.
Learn about the experiences of people who complain to a health or social care regulator, here: https://ow.ly/hCkk50Y0EBC
Have you had experience with the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP)?
We are inviting feedback as part of JCCP’s full assessment for renewal of its accreditation.
Share your feedback by 20 February 2026: https://ow.ly/p4tr50XWA0U
Find out more: https://ow.ly/KmAR50XWA0V
We are inviting feedback as part of JCCP’s full assessment for renewal of its accreditation.
Share your feedback by 20 February 2026: https://ow.ly/p4tr50XWA0U
Find out more: https://ow.ly/KmAR50XWA0V
January 16, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Have you had experience with the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP)?
We are inviting feedback as part of JCCP’s full assessment for renewal of its accreditation.
Share your feedback by 20 February 2026: https://ow.ly/p4tr50XWA0U
Find out more: https://ow.ly/KmAR50XWA0V
We are inviting feedback as part of JCCP’s full assessment for renewal of its accreditation.
Share your feedback by 20 February 2026: https://ow.ly/p4tr50XWA0U
Find out more: https://ow.ly/KmAR50XWA0V
The first PSA Board meeting of 2026 was held in London this week ✅
Want to see what was discussed? Agendas and minutes are published here:
🔗 https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/about-us/about-our-board/board-meeting-papers-and-agendas
Want to see what was discussed? Agendas and minutes are published here:
🔗 https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/about-us/about-our-board/board-meeting-papers-and-agendas
January 15, 2026 at 10:30 AM
The first PSA Board meeting of 2026 was held in London this week ✅
Want to see what was discussed? Agendas and minutes are published here:
🔗 https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/about-us/about-our-board/board-meeting-papers-and-agendas
Want to see what was discussed? Agendas and minutes are published here:
🔗 https://www.professionalstandards.org.uk/about-us/about-our-board/board-meeting-papers-and-agendas
Have you had experience with DVACT-PAI (www.dvact.org) or expert domestic abuse risk assessors?
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January 14, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Have you had experience with DVACT-PAI (www.dvact.org) or expert domestic abuse risk assessors?
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Workplace culture can affect the decisions of HCPs and stop them from complaining. Here's what our research uncovered:
1) Rigid hierarchies can make challenging a colleague feel risky
2) Commonly, HCPs will raise issues with trusted senior colleagues, which sometimes fails to result in action
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1) Rigid hierarchies can make challenging a colleague feel risky
2) Commonly, HCPs will raise issues with trusted senior colleagues, which sometimes fails to result in action
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January 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Workplace culture can affect the decisions of HCPs and stop them from complaining. Here's what our research uncovered:
1) Rigid hierarchies can make challenging a colleague feel risky
2) Commonly, HCPs will raise issues with trusted senior colleagues, which sometimes fails to result in action
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1) Rigid hierarchies can make challenging a colleague feel risky
2) Commonly, HCPs will raise issues with trusted senior colleagues, which sometimes fails to result in action
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Interested in an example of good EDI practice?
In 2023, the General Chiropractic Council surveyed registrants on equality, diversity and inclusion.
Here were some of their key findings:
✅ Only 57% felt the profession adequately served diverse communities
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In 2023, the General Chiropractic Council surveyed registrants on equality, diversity and inclusion.
Here were some of their key findings:
✅ Only 57% felt the profession adequately served diverse communities
1/5
January 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Interested in an example of good EDI practice?
In 2023, the General Chiropractic Council surveyed registrants on equality, diversity and inclusion.
Here were some of their key findings:
✅ Only 57% felt the profession adequately served diverse communities
1/5
In 2023, the General Chiropractic Council surveyed registrants on equality, diversity and inclusion.
Here were some of their key findings:
✅ Only 57% felt the profession adequately served diverse communities
1/5
💭Updating Right-touch regulation for today’s challenges 💭
Right-touch regulation helps regulators act proportionately, once the level of risk has been considered. Last year, we refreshed the framework for the first time since 2015.
Discover what’s new and why it matters: https://ow.ly/Zj1N50XMyrk
Right-touch regulation helps regulators act proportionately, once the level of risk has been considered. Last year, we refreshed the framework for the first time since 2015.
Discover what’s new and why it matters: https://ow.ly/Zj1N50XMyrk
January 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM
💭Updating Right-touch regulation for today’s challenges 💭
Right-touch regulation helps regulators act proportionately, once the level of risk has been considered. Last year, we refreshed the framework for the first time since 2015.
Discover what’s new and why it matters: https://ow.ly/Zj1N50XMyrk
Right-touch regulation helps regulators act proportionately, once the level of risk has been considered. Last year, we refreshed the framework for the first time since 2015.
Discover what’s new and why it matters: https://ow.ly/Zj1N50XMyrk
📢Read our latest blog 📢
A change in the law means employers have a proactive duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. But what does this mean for regulators?
Find out here: https://ow.ly/ckYv50XMy1Y
A change in the law means employers have a proactive duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. But what does this mean for regulators?
Find out here: https://ow.ly/ckYv50XMy1Y
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
📢Read our latest blog 📢
A change in the law means employers have a proactive duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. But what does this mean for regulators?
Find out here: https://ow.ly/ckYv50XMy1Y
A change in the law means employers have a proactive duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. But what does this mean for regulators?
Find out here: https://ow.ly/ckYv50XMy1Y
Case Study: How the General Optical Council (GOC) uses data to drive quality and inclusion in optical education
Every year, providers of GOC-approved qualifications submit annual monitoring and reporting forms as part of the GOC’s quality assurance process.
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Every year, providers of GOC-approved qualifications submit annual monitoring and reporting forms as part of the GOC’s quality assurance process.
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January 2, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Case Study: How the General Optical Council (GOC) uses data to drive quality and inclusion in optical education
Every year, providers of GOC-approved qualifications submit annual monitoring and reporting forms as part of the GOC’s quality assurance process.
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Every year, providers of GOC-approved qualifications submit annual monitoring and reporting forms as part of the GOC’s quality assurance process.
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How do experiences differ between health and care professionals (HCPs) and service users, when it comes to making a complaint to a health or social care regulator?
HCPs and service users experience the complaints process differently:
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HCPs and service users experience the complaints process differently:
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January 1, 2026 at 5:00 PM
How do experiences differ between health and care professionals (HCPs) and service users, when it comes to making a complaint to a health or social care regulator?
HCPs and service users experience the complaints process differently:
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HCPs and service users experience the complaints process differently:
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Earlier this year, we published guidance to share good practice amongst regulators when working to address health inequalities.
Persistent inequalities in health and social care continue to affect both the public and professionals.
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Persistent inequalities in health and social care continue to affect both the public and professionals.
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December 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Earlier this year, we published guidance to share good practice amongst regulators when working to address health inequalities.
Persistent inequalities in health and social care continue to affect both the public and professionals.
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Persistent inequalities in health and social care continue to affect both the public and professionals.
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What motivates both service users and professionals to make a complaint?
✔️The desire to prevent harm to others and ensure safe, high-quality care
✔️To see poor practice addressed
✔️To see professionals held to account
✔️A sense of moral responsibility
Find out more: https://ow.ly/AYWn50XMvIz
✔️The desire to prevent harm to others and ensure safe, high-quality care
✔️To see poor practice addressed
✔️To see professionals held to account
✔️A sense of moral responsibility
Find out more: https://ow.ly/AYWn50XMvIz
December 29, 2025 at 5:00 PM
What motivates both service users and professionals to make a complaint?
✔️The desire to prevent harm to others and ensure safe, high-quality care
✔️To see poor practice addressed
✔️To see professionals held to account
✔️A sense of moral responsibility
Find out more: https://ow.ly/AYWn50XMvIz
✔️The desire to prevent harm to others and ensure safe, high-quality care
✔️To see poor practice addressed
✔️To see professionals held to account
✔️A sense of moral responsibility
Find out more: https://ow.ly/AYWn50XMvIz
❄️ Eleventh Day of Christmas: Standards Review ❄️
You can read two reports related to the Standards Review consultation below.
Consultation outcome report: https://ow.ly/9BpU50XMt7J
Evidence review outcome report: https://ow.ly/qWml50XMt7I
You can read two reports related to the Standards Review consultation below.
Consultation outcome report: https://ow.ly/9BpU50XMt7J
Evidence review outcome report: https://ow.ly/qWml50XMt7I
December 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
❄️ Eleventh Day of Christmas: Standards Review ❄️
You can read two reports related to the Standards Review consultation below.
Consultation outcome report: https://ow.ly/9BpU50XMt7J
Evidence review outcome report: https://ow.ly/qWml50XMt7I
You can read two reports related to the Standards Review consultation below.
Consultation outcome report: https://ow.ly/9BpU50XMt7J
Evidence review outcome report: https://ow.ly/qWml50XMt7I
❄️Tenth Day of Christmas: Accredited Registers ❄️
Take a look at some statistics from the last financial year:
75 assessments completed
32 reports published
6 new registers accredited at current registers
2 new applicant Standard One assessments completed
Find our more: https://ow.ly/rNVc50XMryl
Take a look at some statistics from the last financial year:
75 assessments completed
32 reports published
6 new registers accredited at current registers
2 new applicant Standard One assessments completed
Find our more: https://ow.ly/rNVc50XMryl
December 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
❄️Tenth Day of Christmas: Accredited Registers ❄️
Take a look at some statistics from the last financial year:
75 assessments completed
32 reports published
6 new registers accredited at current registers
2 new applicant Standard One assessments completed
Find our more: https://ow.ly/rNVc50XMryl
Take a look at some statistics from the last financial year:
75 assessments completed
32 reports published
6 new registers accredited at current registers
2 new applicant Standard One assessments completed
Find our more: https://ow.ly/rNVc50XMryl
❄️Ninth day of Christmas: Our Responses❄️
We responded to 19 consultations/inquiries/calls for evidence, including evidence to the review into PAs & AAs, led by Prof. Leng CBE & evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee’s Inquiry into cosmetics.
Find our publications: https://ow.ly/JE3v50XMr1E
We responded to 19 consultations/inquiries/calls for evidence, including evidence to the review into PAs & AAs, led by Prof. Leng CBE & evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee’s Inquiry into cosmetics.
Find our publications: https://ow.ly/JE3v50XMr1E
December 23, 2025 at 5:01 PM
❄️Ninth day of Christmas: Our Responses❄️
We responded to 19 consultations/inquiries/calls for evidence, including evidence to the review into PAs & AAs, led by Prof. Leng CBE & evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee’s Inquiry into cosmetics.
Find our publications: https://ow.ly/JE3v50XMr1E
We responded to 19 consultations/inquiries/calls for evidence, including evidence to the review into PAs & AAs, led by Prof. Leng CBE & evidence to the Women and Equalities Committee’s Inquiry into cosmetics.
Find our publications: https://ow.ly/JE3v50XMr1E
We have published our annual performance review of the General Dental Council.
They met 16/18 Standards. It did not meet Standard 3 (EDI) or Standard 15 (fitness to practise timeliness).
Read the review: https://ow.ly/Ue8650XMnOj
They met 16/18 Standards. It did not meet Standard 3 (EDI) or Standard 15 (fitness to practise timeliness).
Read the review: https://ow.ly/Ue8650XMnOj
December 22, 2025 at 2:02 PM
We have published our annual performance review of the General Dental Council.
They met 16/18 Standards. It did not meet Standard 3 (EDI) or Standard 15 (fitness to practise timeliness).
Read the review: https://ow.ly/Ue8650XMnOj
They met 16/18 Standards. It did not meet Standard 3 (EDI) or Standard 15 (fitness to practise timeliness).
Read the review: https://ow.ly/Ue8650XMnOj
❄️Seventh Day of Christmas: Performance Reviews ❄️
We check how well organisations regulating people working in health and social care are doing their job. Every year, we report on the 10 regulators we oversee to make sure they're protecting the public properly.
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We check how well organisations regulating people working in health and social care are doing their job. Every year, we report on the 10 regulators we oversee to make sure they're protecting the public properly.
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December 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM
❄️Seventh Day of Christmas: Performance Reviews ❄️
We check how well organisations regulating people working in health and social care are doing their job. Every year, we report on the 10 regulators we oversee to make sure they're protecting the public properly.
1/3
We check how well organisations regulating people working in health and social care are doing their job. Every year, we report on the 10 regulators we oversee to make sure they're protecting the public properly.
1/3
We have published our most recent report for the General Medical Council (GMC).
The report covers October 2024 to September 2025 and looks at how the GMC is meeting the Standards of Good Regulation. During this time, they met all 18 Standards.
Read it here: https://ow.ly/9Usi50XKL55
The report covers October 2024 to September 2025 and looks at how the GMC is meeting the Standards of Good Regulation. During this time, they met all 18 Standards.
Read it here: https://ow.ly/9Usi50XKL55
December 17, 2025 at 9:58 AM
We have published our most recent report for the General Medical Council (GMC).
The report covers October 2024 to September 2025 and looks at how the GMC is meeting the Standards of Good Regulation. During this time, they met all 18 Standards.
Read it here: https://ow.ly/9Usi50XKL55
The report covers October 2024 to September 2025 and looks at how the GMC is meeting the Standards of Good Regulation. During this time, they met all 18 Standards.
Read it here: https://ow.ly/9Usi50XKL55
Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) and @patientsafetylearning.org recently published 'ABHI Patient Safety System Foundations: A Call for Action'.
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December 16, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) and @patientsafetylearning.org recently published 'ABHI Patient Safety System Foundations: A Call for Action'.
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❄️Sixth Day of Christmas: Events❄️
We have shared our expertise and engaged with stakeholders across a range of events and forums this year. From our Symposium, to our Research Conference, it has been a highly collaborative year.
Learn about our events: https://ow.ly/9TEh50XJwtr
We have shared our expertise and engaged with stakeholders across a range of events and forums this year. From our Symposium, to our Research Conference, it has been a highly collaborative year.
Learn about our events: https://ow.ly/9TEh50XJwtr
December 15, 2025 at 11:29 AM
❄️Sixth Day of Christmas: Events❄️
We have shared our expertise and engaged with stakeholders across a range of events and forums this year. From our Symposium, to our Research Conference, it has been a highly collaborative year.
Learn about our events: https://ow.ly/9TEh50XJwtr
We have shared our expertise and engaged with stakeholders across a range of events and forums this year. From our Symposium, to our Research Conference, it has been a highly collaborative year.
Learn about our events: https://ow.ly/9TEh50XJwtr
We have published an update on how regulators are addressing the risk of professionals who have faced regulatory action overseas, being able to work in the UK.
Read it here: https://ow.ly/ULMw50XIlJS
Read it here: https://ow.ly/ULMw50XIlJS
December 12, 2025 at 4:30 PM
We have published an update on how regulators are addressing the risk of professionals who have faced regulatory action overseas, being able to work in the UK.
Read it here: https://ow.ly/ULMw50XIlJS
Read it here: https://ow.ly/ULMw50XIlJS