The GOC held its third Council meeting of the year yesterday. Agenda items included discussing findings from its thematic review into commercial practices and patient safety; approving the response to its CPD reform consultation; noting its response to the Lord Mann review of antisemitism and other forms of racism in the NHS and healthcare regulatory system; discussing the 2026 UK Optical Education Report; and approving the GOC's Annual Report and EDI Annual Report.
The joint whistleblowing disclosures report highlights 9 healthcare professional regulators coordinated effort in working together to address the serious issues raised to them.
This report sets out how we have ensured our compliance with the Welsh Language Standards from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026. This has included considering Welsh language impacts at an earlier stage in decision-making and continuing to improve access to services for Welsh speakers.
The GOC has appointed Janice McCrudden as its first Head of Optometric Advice to ensure its work is informed by high‑quality, independent clinical insight and professional expertise across its core functions.
The GOC has signed up to the Workforce Race Equity in Health and Social Care: Shared Principles for Regulators to help tackle longstanding racism experienced by health and social care staff.
Leonie Milliner, GOC Chief Executive and Registrar, discusses the key projects the GOC will deliver over the next business year to achieve its vision of safe and effective eye care for all.
The business plan for 2026-27 demonstrates how we will protect the public and ensure registrants can contribute to their full professional capabilities across each part of the UK.
The GOC held its first Council meeting of the year yesterday. Agenda items included approving a discussion paper on the GOC’s approach to setting registrant fees for public consultation and discussing the Professional Standards Authority’s (PSA) 2024–25 performance review of the GOC.
The GOC has appointed Kalwant Grewal as a lay member of its Council. He was appointed by the Privy Council, and his term will begin on 1 February 2026.
Congratulations to GOC Council member Lisa Gerson, who has been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in His Majesty The King’s 2026 New Year Honours List.
