The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) is a healthcare regulator and regulates the practice of osteopathy in the United Kingdom. The GOsC is a charity registered in England and Wales (1172749). By law osteopaths must be registered with the GOsC in order to practise in the UK and the GOsC has the power to remove from the Register any osteopaths who are unfit to practise. The GOsC keeps the Register of all who are permitted to practise osteopathy in the UK; sets, maintains and develops standards of osteopathic practice and conduct; helps patients with any concerns or complaints about an osteopath; assures the quality of osteopathic education and ensures that osteopaths undertake continuing professional development.