The UK government has announced the most significant overhaul of medical regulation in over four decades, marking a pivotal moment for the General Medical Council (GMC) and the wider healthcare system. Launched on 24 March 2026, the consultation on the new GMC Order aims to modernise how doctors are regulated, making processes faster, less bureaucratic and more effective in safeguarding both patients and NHS staff.
This reform represents the most substantial update to the regulation of medical professionals since 1983. It comes in response to growing concerns that the current system is outdated and, at times, too slow to act when serious issues arise. Recent incidents involving doctors using racist and antisemitic language—particularly on social media—have highlighted weaknesses in the existing framework, where regulators have not always been able to respond swiftly or decisively enough.
A key driver behind these changes is the rapid review conducted by Lord John Mann, commissioned by the government in November to examine antisemitism and wider racism within the health service. The consultation introduces the first tranche of his recommendations, signalling a clear intention to tackle discrimination head-on and strengthen accountability across the profession.
Among the proposed changes are three significant measures designed to improve oversight and regulatory effectiveness. Firstly, the GMC will retain its right to appeal decisions made by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) through the courts, ensuring robust scrutiny of fitness to practise outcomes. Secondly, the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) will gain new powers to challenge interim MPTS decisions, with the GMC receiving equivalent authority. Finally, regulators will be required to share information with the PSA upon request, enhancing transparency and enabling more effective intervention where necessary.
Beyond addressing discrimination, the reforms also seek to improve safety in other critical areas. Notably, the consultation proposes removing the current five-year limitation on considering allegations of historic sexual misconduct in fitness to practise cases. This change is intended to ensure that serious concerns—regardless of when they occurred—can be properly investigated, reflecting a stronger commitment to protecting both patients and healthcare staff.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting has emphasised the importance of these reforms in reinforcing the NHS as a safe and inclusive environment for all. He highlighted that no patient or staff member should feel unsafe due to their race, religion or beliefs, and stressed the government’s determination to act decisively where the system has previously fallen short.
The proposed overhaul also focuses on improving efficiency and adaptability within the regulatory system. Plans include granting greater flexibility around education and training standards, as well as giving regulators more autonomy to respond to evolving workforce needs. Central to this is a reformed fitness to practise process, which aims to be quicker, fairer and less adversarial—ultimately improving the experience for everyone involved while maintaining strong public protection.
Charlie Massey, Chief Executive of the GMC, described the reforms as a long-awaited step towards a more responsive and compassionate regulatory approach. By reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and enabling quicker action where patient safety is at risk, the changes are expected to enhance both trust in the system and outcomes across the NHS.
Taken together, these proposals signal a decisive shift towards a more modern, accountable and effective framework for medical regulation—one that is better equipped to meet the challenges of today’s healthcare landscape.