The General Optical Council (GOC) is seeking two new council associates – one dispensing optician (DO)/contact lens optician (CLO) and one optometrist.
Launched in 2021, the GOC’s council associate scheme provides first-hand experience of board and committee governance.
Designed to provide broader opinions and perspectives around the council table that help the GOC better represent the diverse needs of its registrants, staff and other stakeholder groups, the unpaid role requires council associates to attend all council meetings, where they are encouraged to engage with the dialogue and share their thoughts.
They will also attend the GOC’s Audit, Risk, and Finance Committee to maximise their transferable experience of governance.
Throughout their term, associates are supported with development workshops, regular check-ins with their dedicated mentor, and ongoing assistance from the GOC’s governance team.
Applications from those who identify as disabled or are from ethnic minority backgrounds are particularly welcomed, as these groups are currently under-represented.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 18 January 2026.
See the candidate pack for more information on the role and how to apply.
Email appointment@optical.org with any questions, quoting reference GOC06/25 on all correspondence.