eGDCConsultations and responses
Consultation outcomes
Changes to the timescales for the Rule 4 process: Consultation outcome report
Principles of Specialist listings: Consultation outcome report
GDC corporate strategy 2020–2022: Consultation outcome report
In May 2019, the General Dental Council (GDC) published a consultation on its proposed strategy for 2020-2022. The strategy described the organisation’s vision, values and strategic aims, and provided high-level information on the expenditure plans to support the achievement of those aims over the period.
Consulting on the new strategy marks a change in approach for the GDC. This new approach is set out in the GDC’s fee setting policy, which was consulted on in 2018, and came into effect from January 2019. It explains that we will consult every three years on the high-level objectives and associated expenditure plans that will underpin the annual retention fee (ARF).
The draft strategy set out five strategic aims, which were developed to describe the GDC’s priorities within its statutory remit. In order to deliver the necessary outcomes, the strategy also identified objectives designed to support the achievement of those aims.
The consultation, which opened on 8 May 2019 and closed on 30 July 2019, invited views on the objectives we had identified to support the achievement of the strategic aims, as well as the expenditure plans associated with them.
GDC corporate strategy 2020–2022: Consultation outcome report
Education processes: consultation outcome report
Clear and certain: A new framework for fee-setting: consultation outcome report
GDC responses to consultations
Response to Professional Standards Authority consultation on the approach to the performance review process
The PSA launched a consultation on their approach to reviewing the regulators.
The consultation closed on 4 March 2021. Read the GDC's response to the PSA consultation.
Closed consultations
Revisions to the GDC’s Preliminary Meeting Guidance
Start date
27 January 2021
End date
21 February 2021
Background
A consultation on proposed updates to GDC Guidance on the constitution and conduct of Preliminary Meetings, convened as part of the Fitness to Practise process. Changes to the Guidance will affect those involved in our Fitness to Practise processes, particularly in cases where the investigation has resulted in a referral to a substantive hearing.
Summary
The key changes from the previously issued guidance include:
- greater detail to assist parties in their approach to attending a Preliminary Meeting
- inclusion of matters relating to consideration of the format of hearings (remote or in person)
- matters relating to evidence, special measures, disclosure of material, and admissibility of hearsay evidence.
We have also proposed adjustments to help ensure Preliminary Meetings and, any directions given, are able to narrow or refine issues ahead of a hearing taking place. The current need to hold all or most hearings activity (including Preliminary Meetings) remotely has also prompted an update of this guidance. The changes should ensure that all parties have clear guidance on the issues that might arise and the types of information that may assist resolution of matters at a Preliminary Meeting.
Shaping the direction of lifelong learning for dental professionals
Start date
11 July 2019
End date
3 October 2019
Background
This discussion document presents ideas for the future development of lifelong learning and builds on previously published proposals included in Shifting the balance. The ideas for discussion draw on our Review of the literature on CPD, January 2019, and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, at two workshops, held in April 2019.
Summary
Can you help shape the direction of lifelong learning for dental professionals?
We have opened a conversation about how dental professionals can take increasing ownership of meeting and maintaining high professional standards and quality patient care. This discussion document invites ideas, comments and views on the future development of lifelong learning, or continuing professional development, in dentistry.
The aim is to ensure that lifelong learning in dentistry continues to evolve to meet the expectations of the public, patients and dental professionals, in a way that is proportionate to risk, and flexible on how professionals go about reaching their development goals.
The discussion document is presented in three parts:
- Part 1: A future model for lifelong learning
- Part 2: CPD practices
- Part 3: Informing CPD choices.
The deadline for responses is 3 October. Please provide your response using the online survey. You do not need to complete the survey all at once, to save and complete at another time, please select the 'finish later' option and follow the instructions.
Changes to the timescales for the Rule 4 process
Start Date
07/07/19
End Date
07/09/19
Background
A consultation on a proposed pilot of changes to timescales for the Rule 4 process, part of the overall Fitness to Practise process, which include providing registrants and their representatives, under certain circumstances, the opportunity to request to extend the period for the preparation of their observations at the Rule 4 stage, to ensure the best possible evidence can be provided.
Summary
Respond
Please respond to this consultation using the online survey.
Changes-to-the-timescales-for-the-Rule-4-process-consultation-document
Corporate Strategy 2020-2022: Working with the dental team for public safety and confidence
Start Date
08/05/2019
End Date
30/07/2019
Background
Summary
- To operate a regulatory system which protects patients and is fair to registrants, while being cost-effective and proportionate; which begins with education, supports career-long learning, promotes high standards of care and professional conduct and is developed in the light of emerging evidence and experience.
- To work with the professions and our partners to ensure that patients and the public are able to raise concerns with the agency best placed to resolve them effectively and without unnecessary delay.
- To use evidence, research and evaluation, to develop, deliver and embed a cost-effective and right-touch model for enforcement action.
- To maintain and develop the regulatory framework.
- To continue to develop an outcome-focused, high-performing and sustainable organisation.
Respond
Please respond to this consultation through our corporate strategy website or the alternative methods listed in the Corporate Strategy document.
Consultation on the principles of specialist listing
Start Date
31/01/2019
End Date
25/04/2019
Summary
This consultation invites comment on fundamental issues related to the system of specialist listing:
- revised purposes for specialist listing, setting out what the GDC expects listed specialties to fulfil, and criteria by which the GDC will determine which disciplines of dentistry should be listed
- principles for the addition and removal of specialist lists
- processes for maintaining accreditation on specialist lists.
If adopted by the GDC, following consultation, the revised principles and criteria would form the basis for the GDC to make policy decisions on specialist listing in the future.