At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Advisory Panel to provide insights on optical education and standards.
- Company: GOC, the UK regulator for optical professions, dedicated to public protection.
- Benefits: Earn up to £185 per meeting and claim travel expenses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the optical field while working flexibly.
- Qualifications: Seeking registered medical practitioners, business registrants, lay members, and optometrists.
- Other info: Part-time commitment of 2-3 days per year with online meetings.
The predicted salary is between 148 - 222 £ per hour.
We are seeking to appoint one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant (Companies Committee), one lay member (Education Committee) and one optometrist (Standards Committee) to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.
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 Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council on:
- matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
- matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
- matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee;
- matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.
Time Commitment and Remuneration
This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings. Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues. Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance (NI) contributions. Members can claim expenses for travel and subsistence costs incurred on Council business as set out in our expenses policy.
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 (please keep this to two sides of A4);
- the application form, stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for;
- an EDI monitoring form.
Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC01/26 to appointment@optical.org. 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 Sunday 29 March 2026. Online interviews will be held on 14, 15, 18 and 19 May 2026. 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.
Advisory Panel Member employer: General Optical Council
Contact Detail:
General Optical Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Advisory Panel Member
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the optical field and let them know you're interested in joining the GOC Advisory Panel. You never know who might have insider info or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those online interviews! Brush up on your knowledge about the GOC and its committees. Familiarise yourself with their current challenges and think about how your experience can help tackle them.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak during interviews, make sure to express why you care about the optical profession and how you can contribute to high standards of education and conduct.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about the role and keen to be part of the GOC team.
We think you need these skills to ace Advisory Panel Member
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role you're applying for. Highlight relevant experience and qualifications that match the essential criteria outlined in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate brevity, so aim for clarity without unnecessary fluff. Remember, you’ve got two sides of A4 for your CV, so use that space wisely!
Show Your Passion: Don’t just list your qualifications; let us know why you’re passionate about the role and the work we do at the GOC. Share your motivation for wanting to join our Advisory Panel and how you can contribute to our mission.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check all your details. Make sure your contact information is correct and that you've included everything we asked for, like the EDI monitoring form. We want to make sure we can reach you easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at General Optical Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the GOC's role and the specific responsibilities of the Advisory Panel. Brush up on current issues in the optical profession and be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the needs of the panel.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
When discussing your CV, highlight any relevant experience that matches the essential criteria for the role. Whether it’s your work as a medical practitioner or involvement in education committees, make those connections clear.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the Advisory Panel’s current projects or challenges. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if this role is right for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or mentor to practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Focus on conveying your passion for high standards in the optical profession and how you can contribute to the panel’s goals.