New registrant and lay Council members appointed

The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced William Stockdale as the new registrant Council member, and Ken Gill as a new lay Council member, beginning on 1 January 2023. They were appointed by the Privy Council.

William Stockdale is a contact lens and dispensing optician with 30 years’ clinical and business experience in Northern Ireland. He is the former chair of Optometry Northern Ireland and has also held a non-executive position with FODO, The Association for Eye Care Providers.

Ken Gill is a chartered accountant and the vice chair of the Board at the Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust. He has also held non-executive positions at the General Medical Council, Council of the Inns of Court, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and Study Portals and has significant senior experience in the education sector, including as CEO of the Northern Consortium United Kingdom.

Ken and William join the GOC Council as the GOC continues to deliver its 'Fit for the Future' strategy. As part of Council, they will help to ensure the GOC achieves its vision of delivering world-class regulation and excellent customer service, while continuing its vital work of protecting the public by upholding high standards in the optical professions.

Dr Anne Wright CBE, GOC Chair of Council, welcomed both appointments, saying:

“We are delighted to welcome Ken Gill and William Stockdale as our new Council members. Ken’s financial experience and expertise will support us as the GOC navigates the challenging financial environment of the next few years, while William brings a wealth of knowledge about the optical sector, particularly in Northern Ireland. It was a very strong field, and we were grateful to everyone who applied for the roles.”

William Stockdale said:

“At a time of unprecedented change within our profession, I am delighted to be joining the GOC Council and look forward to the challenge of ensuring outstanding eye care for the public.”

Ken Gill said:

“I’m pleased to join the Council as a lay member at a significant and interesting time of change for the sector. I look forward to working with the leadership of the GOC to ensure patients and the public are at the centre of what we do whilst delivering our statutory responsibilities.”