Only a third of GPs have confidence in the GMC and even fewer in the FTP process

Only a third of GPs report ‘confidence’ in GMC regulation while trust in fitness-to-practise processes is even lower, a new survey has shown.

In its latest ‘perceptions’ survey, the GMC found that only a quarter (25%) of GPs trust the regulator to deal with FTP concerns fairly while taking into account context.

The perceptions survey, carried out by Shift Insight and published last week, found that while confidence in the GMC among GPs has improved since 2023, the proportion in 2024 remained low at 34%. 

Although these figures represent an improvement on previous surveys, the GMC recognised that confidence in its fitness-to-practise process is ‘still a top-of-mind concern’, as its handling of referrals is ‘central’ to doctor, patient and stakeholder perceptions of the organisation. 

GMC chief executive Charlie Massey has this week published a blog on how the regulator is ‘minimising fear’ among doctors, recognising there is a ‘still a belief amongst some that the GMC doesn’t acknowledge the pressures facing those it regulates, or care about them’. 

He said this is evidenced in the perceptions survey, which showed that only 16% of the 2,600 doctors surveyed would describe the GMC as ‘compassionate’.

Mr Massey acknowledged that the ‘impression’ the GMC is ‘out to get’ doctors ‘can be hard to shift’, particularly around FTP referrals and processes. 

He continued: ‘Fear is corrosive – it undermines trust, it hardens attitudes, and it distorts reality. This has a harmful psychological impact, but also a practical one, because fear is not conducive to good outcomes. 

‘Healthcare professionals who are fearful may act defensively, rather than in the best interests of their patients. So, for their sake, and the sake of their patients, we do not want those we regulate to fear us.’

This month, the GMC has also provided an updated on its progress to eliminate disproportionate referrals about ethnic minority and IMG doctors by 2026, saying it is ‘on track’ to meet the target.

GMC assistant director for outreach Sondra Roberto reiterated that ethnic minority doctors and IMGs are ‘disproportionally referred’ to the regulator by their employer, which is an example of the ‘racism and prejudice’ within the health system. 

She continued: ‘In 2021 we set an ambition to eliminate this disproportionality by 2026 and we are on track to meet that target.’

In October last year, the GMC said that disparities in FTP referrals based on ethnicity had continued to reduce, but that there had been a ‘disappointing’ lack of improvement on reducing disparities at early stages in medical education.

Mr Massey also said that the ‘discrimination and disadvantage ethnic minority doctors face’ is ‘one of the most acute issues’, and that the GMC is ‘pulling all the levers it can’. 

He pointed to last year’s relaxing of FTP process for doctors which meant that ‘minor’ concerns such as ‘pushing a colleague’ are not taken to tribunal.

In 2023, doctors at the BMA’s Annual Representative Meeting passed a vote of no confidence in the GMC, citing mistrust in the FTP process and calling for the regulator’s leadership to be dismissed.