GOC looking to appoint two new council members

The General Optical Council (GOC) is searching for two new council members.

The optical regulator is looking to appoint one lay member and one registrant member.

The registrant member must be a dispensing optician, while the lay member will require skills in finance, risk, and audit.

The GOC has highlighted that, whilst applications from across the UK are encouraged, they are “especially keen to hear from candidates in Northern Ireland to maintain fair representation from the devolved nations.”

The roles will “involve exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions” and those appointed will “be required to operate strategically and impartially, listen, communicate, and influence effectively, exercise judgement, and inspire confidence and support amongst stakeholders,” the GOC said.

The new registrant will replace dispensing optician Glenn Tomison, while the lay member will replace Rosie Glazebrook. Tomison and Glazebrooks’ tenures are set to end on 31 December.

GOC Chair of Council, Dr Anne Wright, said: “Becoming a Council member is an exciting opportunity to work with fellow members, both lay and registrant, to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the public and patients, maintain public confidence in the professions, and shape the future of optical regulation.”

Applications for both positions close on 2 October. More information can be found via the candidate information pack on the GOC website.