‍

Advisory Panel Members, General Optical Council (GOC)

The General Optical Council is seeking to appoint new members to its Advisory Panel. Current vacancies include one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant for the Companies Committee, one lay member for the Education Committee, and one optometrist for the Standards Committee.

About The GOC

The General Optical Council is the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Its role is to protect the public by promoting high standards in education, performance, and professional conduct.

About The Advisory Panel

The Advisory Panel brings together the four Council committees, including Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards, in a plenary session. The panel is established by statute to provide advice and support to the Council, whether requested or not.

The panel contributes to matters relating to business registrants, optical education and training, registration processes, and the standards of conduct and performance expected of professionals entering or already on the register.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This is a part-time role with an expected commitment of approximately two to three days per year, including preparation time. Meetings are typically held virtually via MS Teams, with occasional in-person sessions at the GOC offices in London or other locations.

Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance contributions. Travel and subsistence expenses related to Council business can be reimbursed in line with the organisation’s policy.

How To Apply

Applications should include a CV outlining employment history, relevant voluntary or public service experience, and professional or academic qualifications, limited to two pages. Candidates are also required to submit an application form detailing how their experience aligns with the essential criteria, along with an EDI monitoring form.

Completed applications should be submitted via email, quoting reference GOC01/26.

Additional Information

The organisation encourages applications from individuals with disabilities and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these groups are currently underrepresented across its Council and committees.

The application deadline is midnight on Sunday 29 March 2026. Online interviews are scheduled to take place on 14, 15, 18, and 19 May 2026.

For any questions, applicants can reach out via email and should expect a response within 48 hours.

‍