Experienced Dispensing or Contact Lens Opticians to join our Hearings Panel

We are seeking ten experienced dispensing or contact lens opticians to join our Hearings Panel.

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 Hearings Panel

The role of the Hearings Panel is to determine allegations relating to the fitness to practise of registered optometrists and dispensing opticians, the fitness of business registrants to carry on business as an optometrist or a dispensing optician or both; and the fitness of student registrants to undertake training as an optometrist or dispensing optician. Hearings Panels also determine whether it is necessary for interim measures (suspension or made subject to conditions) to be put in place whilst an investigation is in progress for the protection of members of the public, or is otherwise in the public interest, or in the interests of a registrant.

Hearings Panel members may also sit as part of the Registration Appeal Committee which is constituted for the purpose of hearing and determining appeals against any decision of the Registrar refusing to enter the name of an individual or body corporate in, or to restore it to, the appropriate Register.

Our Hearings Panel consists of registrant and lay members with different backgrounds, skills, knowledge and experience.

Our mission is to protect the public by upholding high standards in the optical professions and our Hearings Panel is at the centre of helping us to achieve that. We are on the look-out for talented and passionate people and we welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Remuneration and Time Commitment

Members are paid a daily fee of £319 (effective from 1 April 2022). This fee is taxable and subject to Class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions. It is not pensionable. This is in line with our member fees policy and schedule.

Members can claim expenses, at rates set centrally, for travel and subsistence costs incurred on Council business as set out in our expenses policy.

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 12-16 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings. Hearings 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, stating how your experience matches the essential and desirable criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and an EDI monitoring form here.

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 these roles please download the candidate information pack.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight on Sunday 18 June 2023.

Online interviews will be held in the week commencing Monday 24 July 2023.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical.org and 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.

Please note the GOC will be looking to recruit Hearing Panel chairs in early 2025 - you will be able to find more details on our website closer to the time.