AOP issues advice on GOC statutory notices process

The AOP has issued advice to members in response to communications by the General Optical Council (GOC) informing registrants of its intention to serve statutory notices by email (e-service).

Statutory notices are issued as part of the GOC’s registration and fitness to practise processes.

In December last year, the GOC informed registrants that during its 2024 registration renewal process, which opened earlier this week, it would ask an additional question to obtain consent for the e-service. It added that it is legally obliged to continue providing registrants with statutory notices in paper form unless it has consent from the registrant.

At the time of the communication, the AOP’s head of professional discipline, Scott Shadbolt, said: “We’re aware that this change has caused concern for some members, who are rightly worried that matters of such significance to their professional practice should not be treated lightly.” 

The AOP has now published advice on its website to support members in making an informed decision about whether or not to consent to the service during the GOC’s annual registration process this month. In the advice Shadbolt answers key questions including: Do I have to provide consent?, Why might I want to provide consent?, and, If I provide consent, what do I need to be careful of?

Read the full guidance on the AOP website.