GOC approves revised investigations protocol

A report from the new chief executive of the GOC and approval of the revised protocol on criminal investigations and prosecutions were among the principal issues tackled at the 194th meeting of the GOC on May 19.

After making a number of decisions in its meeting on January 27 (News 04.02.11) such as agreeing the removal on the ban on bringing prosecutions over allegations of unlawful sale, the GOC revealed it was currently looking at 81 allegations (See page 5).

The main amendment to the protocol was to remove the requirement for all decisions to be referred to the Council's investigations committee and for mandatory consultation of Council members. The revised protocol delegates to the registrar the decision on whether to investigate or bring a prosecution and they also have discretion on whom to consult.