Hearing Panel Member

The vacancy

We are seeking to appoint 3 lay, 4 dispensing opticians and 7 optometrist members of the Hearings Panel members to 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. 

About the Hearings Panel

The Hearings Panel is a mix of lay (non-registrant) and registrant members with different backgrounds, skills, knowledge and experience from whom members of the Fitness to Practise Committee (FtPC) and our Registration Appeals Committee (RAC) are drawn, in accordance with our Committee Constitution Rules.

The FtPC considers whether a registrant’s fitness to practise is impaired and imposes sanctions if appropriate to do so. This includes considering allegations, hearing evidence and determining the fitness to practise of a registrant. This can include individual 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. You will be responsible for sitting as part of a FtPC, which will consist of either 3 or 5 members (a mix of lay and registrant members) drawn from the Hearings Panel.

You do not have to be a legally qualified individual or have specialist medical knowledge to participate in the FtPC process. We are looking for individuals who can contribute effectively and impartially, ensuring that all allegations are considered fairly and independently, maintaining standards for registrants and the protection of the public.

A FtPC can also determine whether it is necessary for interim measures (suspension or conditions) to be put in place whilst an investigation is in progress for the protection of the public or in the interests of a registrant.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds with a passion for public protection; and the ability to think critically, listen effectively, consider evidence and to build a consensus.

Remuneration and time commitment

This role requires a commitment of approximately 16-20 days per year for Lay Members, 12-16 days per year for Optometrist Members and 8-12 days per year for Dispensing Optician Members, including time spent preparing for meetings. Hearings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC offices in London or other suitable venues.

A daily fee of £319 is paid in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule, and expenses can also be claimed.
 

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 see attached the candidate information pack.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  midnight Sunday 6 April 2025.

Interviews will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams from 15 May 2025 to 23 May 2025.

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.