GOC updates Hearing and Indicative Sanctions guidance

The General Optical Council (GOC) has published updated Hearings and Indicative Sanctions guidance to improve clarity for fitness to practise committees (FtPCs).

The updated guidance, which is for committees considering applying sanctions as part of FtP proceedings, has been designed to be “clearer without being prescriptive,” said Carole Auchterlonie, GOC director of regulatory operations.

The GOC shared that the update forms part of its commitment to improving transparency and trust in the FtP process.

A consultation was held on the proposed changes last year, with feedback received from professional bodies, public bodies, membership organisations and others including the Professional Standards Authority.

Improvements made in response to the feedback include providing a clear definition of hearsay, including examples to support FtPCs when applications may rely on hearsay evidence.

An explanation of factors, such as situational vulnerability, and special measures that might support vulnerable witnesses in providing best evidence, has also been included.

Further improvements have been minor edits to the language used in order to reflect a more balanced approach to dishonesty, an updated section on Review Hearings to better reflect circumstances where this may be required, and clear definitions to distinguish between sexual harassment and sexual motivation.

The new guidance applies to all future hearings from 20 July, while previous guidance will apply for any part-heard hearings which started before 20 July 2026 and have not yet concluded.

Thanking consultation respondents, Auchterlonie said: “Your feedback has been important to ensure that the guidance is up-to-date and fit for purpose.”

“We’ve listened to your feedback and where appropriate, we have made updates to the guidance so that it is clearer, without being prescriptive, for our Committees when considering whether or not to apply sanctions,” she said.

The updated guidance is an “important step in our journey to improve our fitness to practise process and make sure it’s fair for all involved,” Auchterlonie added.