All our osteopaths have to do continual professional development in order to keep registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).  

Angela is currently training with the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy (SCCO), following their pathway of training. After completing 5 modules, Angela can call herself a member of the SCCO, using the letters MSCCO after her name.

Professional Census 2024 

by the Institute of Osteopathy (iO)

Findings now published

Every three years for the last decade the iO has commissioned a census of the profession, designed to gather insight regarding current osteopathic practice identify opportunities and inform how we develop as a profession.  The report has just been published and we share with you some key findings.

The previous census was conducted in the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic, and reassuringly, the 2024 survey indicates that the profession has bounced back stronger than ever, recovering quickly to pre-pandemic levels.  It is encouraging to see the profession remains buoyant, with nearly a third of practices having recruited additional clinical staff over the last six months and a similar number suggesting that they intend to do so over the next six months.

The lack of growth in the number of osteopaths in the country and the ageing demographic of the profession remains a concern.  It is clear that the address this, we will need to continue to work collaboratively with colleagues throughout our community to establish additional attractive educational offerings and career progression opportunities to inspire more students to pursue a career in Osteopathy and support current practitioners to continue to develop their skills and their careers, and the data from the Census will inform this transformation.

For the first time, we have sought views regarding what inspires colleagues to join the profession and to identify the barriers that must be overcome.  This information will be used to inform future student recruitment drives and support the profession’s return to growth.  The survey provides insights that we hope will inspire new ways to improve patient access to osteopathy and see the profession continue to thrive.  It also provides insight that will allow us to continue to evolve our support to the profession and stimulate new services that enhance our value to each and every member.

By capitalising on Osteopathy’s strength, which comes from the breadth and diversity of practice, we will by working collaboratively across the profession and beyond, be able to enhance the profession’s reputation and ability to respond to changing healthcare needs while maintaining our distinctive identity, capabilities and approach to healthcare.

Demographics

• The ratio of male to female respondents was broadly comparable to registration figures reported by the General Osteopathic Council during the same period.
• Demographic data regarding country of origin and reported disability or impairment were broadly comparable with the UK Government Census 2021.
• Marginally lower ethnic diversity and marginally higher representation of no-heterosexual orientation was noted (c.6%).
• 36% of respondents were over the age of 55.

Figure 1 : Respondent's Age

Regional distribution

• 50% of respondents reported living and working in London and the South East.
• Regional distribution, age, ethnicity, marital status and career stage remain largely unchanged since the previous Census in 2021.

Figure 2 : Regional distribution