Lay Members

The vacancies

We are seeking to appoint two Lay Members to replace Sinead Burns and Michael Galvin, who come to the end of their invaluable eight-year tenure as lay Council members, in September 2024 and March 2025 respectively.

About the GOC

We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct. For more information about us please visit our website: optical.org

About the Council

The role of Council is to lead on the GOC’s mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the public and patients; as well as maintaining public confidence in the professions. The Council is composed of six Lay Members (including the Chair) and six registrant members (i.e. registered optometrists and dispensing opticians). At least one member of the Council must work wholly or mainly in each of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. One Council member acts as a Senior Council Member whose role is to carry out the Chair’s appraisal as well as provide a sounding board for the Chair and serve as an intermediary for Council members, Executive and stakeholders as necessary.

The successful candidates will contribute to Council by exercising oversight, ensuring effective corporate governance, and making high-level policy decisions. They will be able to operate strategically and impartially; listen, communicate, and influence effectively; exercise judgment; and inspire confidence and support amongst our stakeholders.

Remuneration and time commitment

Council members are remunerated in accordance with our member fees policy (£13,962 per annum plus reasonable travel and subsistence expenses). The member fee includes time for reading and preparation.

The appointed member will be expected to commit approximately 2-3 days per month.

Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices at 10 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7NG, or other suitable venues.

How to apply

Please apply with the following:

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic or vocational qualifications;
• the application form (please click here to download and complete) stating how your experience matches the essential and desirable criteria for the vacancy you are applying for found in the candidate pack; and
• an EDI monitoring form here.

Please email your completed application via the button below.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds as these are currently under-represented on our council and committees.

For more information about the roles please download the candidate information pack.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight on Sunday 14 April 2024.

Online interviews will be held on 22 and 23 May 2024.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical.organd we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours.

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity and geographical locations outside of London.