Dionne Spence, Director of Regulatory Operations to depart General Optical Council

The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced that Dionne Spence, Director of Regulatory Operations will be leaving the organisation following nearly five years of service. Dionne joined the GOC in January 2019 and during her time at the GOC was responsible for leading a significant improvement in the GOC’s fitness to practise performance.  Dionne led her team to achieve sustained reductions in our investigation caseload and the time it takes us to conclude cases, playing an instrumental role in the GOC meeting all 18 Standards of Good Regulation for the first time in just under a decade. Dionne also oversaw the development of a revised illegal practice protocol to a positive response and the commissioning of a new case management system, which will further improve how we store and manage case-work information.

Dionne said: “It has been a privilege to work with the GOC, my team and the Council and I am proud of the transformational work we have achieved in FtP. I am grateful to Leonie for giving me some time to have a well-earned break to refocus before I concentrate on other projects. I want to thank the entire team and give them my best wishes as they continue to strive to deliver patient-centred world-class regulation.”

Leonie Milliner, Chief Executive and Registrar, said: “Dionne brought energy, warmth and strong leadership to the GOC and during her tenure was a driving force for change.  I would like to thank Dionne for her service to the Council, the professions we regulate and the public we benefit. I wish her all the best for the future.”