Ep.293: 'Examining the Role of the General Council for Manual Therapies' with Ruth Duncan & Susan Findley

Episode 293 of the STA Clinician Podcast explores the history, purpose and current priorities of the General Council for Manual Therapies (GCMT). Host Matt Phillips is joined by GCMT chair Ruth Duncan, vice chair Susan Findlay, and STA founder Gary Benson to discuss regulation, education standards, professional associations, and protecting public safety. The guests reflect on the GCMT’s origins, challenges with inconsistent training and online courses, relationships with CNHC, and practical steps for improving CPD, governance and public guidance. They also share how the GCMT supports small associations, influences public-facing information, and promotes evidence-informed practice. Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Welcome to the STA Clinician Podcast 00:05:04 - Ruth Duncan's Manual Therapy Journey 00:08:39 - Susan Findlay's Path to Oncology 00:11:23 - GCMT History Explained 00:18:41 - Standards Under Pressure 00:28:34 - Guiding Courses, Not Judging 00:32:26 - Reaching the Unregistered Majority 00:38:21 - Support Models Versus Business 00:45:53 - Raising Public Awareness 00:55:11 - Upcoming Work and Events Useful Links GCMT Website STA Website  Want to join the live recordings? Episodes of the STA Clinician Podcast are recorded live every TUESDAY at 8pm on the Sports Therapy Association YOUTUBE CHANNEL and FACEBOOK page. Everyone is welcome - you do not have to be an STA member! If you cannot join us live, be sure to subscribe to the 'Sports Therapy Association Podcast' on all popular podcast apps to be notified when new episodes are available. Interested in joining the STA? Use the code PODCAST25 to get 3 MONTHS EXTRA when you join for a single year! In other words, £75 will get you 15 months instead of 12!  Only valid for NEW members. If you are Level 3 (qualified after 2014) make sure you choose the ‘associate member’ option.