GOC seeks new registrant and lay Council members

The General Optical Council (GOC) is seeking to appoint two new members to its Council – one registrant member and one lay (non-registrant) member.

The Council governs the GOC and sets its strategic direction. This is a particularly important few years for the GOC, as it begins its next five-year strategic plan to 2030. New Council members will play a critical role in ensuring the GOC’s strategy is delivered, and that it continues to protect the public by upholding high standards in the optical professions.

The new members will replace lay member Clare Minchington and registrant member Roshni Sharma, who come to the end of their eight-year tenures as Council members in March 2025.

The successful candidates will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; demonstrate judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst the GOC’s stakeholders. Candidates may have experience as a charity trustee, or as a non-executive in a public body or private company.

The GOC is keen that Council’s membership reflects the communities it serves as a regulator and so is seeking a lay and a registrant member who will add value to and diversify the perspective of the Council. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are particularly encouraged to apply, as the GOC believes that decision-making is better when there is an inclusivity of thought and lived experience.

An annual fee of £13,962 is paid monthly to Council members in line with our member fees policy and member fees schedule.

The roles are part-time with a commitment of approximately two to three days per month, including time spent preparing for meetings. Most meetings are conducted over Microsoft Teams, although some are held in-person at the GOC’s London office. Members can claim expenses for travel and subsistence costs incurred on Council business as set out in our expenses policy.

For more information about the roles and the recruitment process, and to apply, view the:

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 17 November 2024. Appointments commence on 1 April 2025, with initial tenures not exceeding four years.

Should interested candidates have any queries about the positions, they should email appointment@optical.org quoting reference GOC05/24 on all correspondence.