GOC seeks two new Council Associates

Now in its fourth year, we are looking to appoint two new Council Associates to join the GOC. The 2025 appointees will be fully-qualified registrants, at least one of whom is a dispensing optician, and will join current Council Associates Rupa Patel and Desislava Pirkova. 

We want to help give talented candidates the experience and skills needed to go on to have a rewarding boardroom career.  

Once appointed, our Council Associates will take part in all our Council meetings and associated activity. They will also get involved in our Audit, Risk, and Finance Committee to maximise their transferable experience of governance. The perspectives our Council Associates bring to meetings enrich debate and ensure a greater diversity of lived experiences inform our decision making. 

We are looking for candidates with potential and an interest in the work of the GOC, public protection, and a desire to give back to public service. Previous committee or board experience is not a requirement. 

Applications are now open. If you are interested in becoming a Council Associate, the Candidate Pack provides more information on the role and how to apply. The deadline for applications is Sunday 12 February 2025.  

We particularly welcome applications from registrants who are disabled and/or from ethnic minority backgrounds, as these groups are currently under-represented across our Council and committees. We also encourage registrants without previous involvement or exposure to board level work to apply. 

Please note that, unfortunately, for this role we cannot accept applications from students.   

If you have any questions, feel free to contact appointment@optical.org and quote GOC06/24 in all correspondence.