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Wild Strawberry Communications has carried out a communications review for the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). The project examined communications with registered osteopaths, measuring the effectiveness of the information the GOsC provides and the methods it uses.
The GOsC regulates osteopathy in the UK, setting standards for the practitioners it registers (‘registrants’). With over 3,700 registrants, the GOsC is very keen to improve its communications with the profession.
To provide results in time for the GOsC’s autumn conference season the process had to be completed within 6 weeks, and to a tight budget. To reach all registrants – including 315 outside the UK – we developed a combined postal and online survey and used a common database to analyse responses.
The level of response to the survey was extraordinary; it’s clear that registrants are enthusiastic communicators, passionate about their profession and its development. They expect a reciprocal response from the GOsC.
The survey highlighted many areas for development, whether by exploiting existing or new channels, improving processes or expanding dialogue. We summarised the wealth of information provided into key recommendations to be used to develop communications going forward.
The review has provided a great opportunity to build the relationship and enhance understanding between practitioners and their regulator. As the GOsC implements key recommendations during 2007 the profession and its patients will benefit.