Terms of Reference for the ABDO Research and Clinical Committee

Purpose

The ABDO Research and Clinical Committee (ARCC) will provide a consultative forum that can effectively address the status, academic development, political position, continuous professional development, research opportunities and professional identity of the members of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO).

• Advance the professional identity of dispensing opticians.
• Discuss and inform qualification reviews.
• Plan and map out educational, clinical, and academic opportunities.
• Predict and plan CPD requirements.
• Progress activity required to help deliver both strategic and annual plans published by ABDO.
• Debate research proposals.
• Launch research opportunities.
• Provide sound advice and guidance and ensure all publications are accurate, referenced and of a suitable standard.
• Discuss current political factors and assist in influencing regional development and opportunity.

Membership

The ARCC committee will consist of the following members:

• Director of Education, Research and Professional Development – Chairperson
• Head of Continuous Professional Development – Secretariat
• Clinical Lead
• Vice-President of ABDO

Current members who are FBDO qualified and GOC-registered, with additional qualifications or expertise in the following areas:

• General dispensing
• Paediatrics/ vulnerable adults
• Low vision
• Contact lenses
• Academia/research

All non-staff members will be invited to serve an initial three-year term on the committee, which maybe extended by a further three years (after successful appraisal). The maximum term served for non-staff members is six years.

Engagement

The ARCC will meet three times per year with dates published in advance annually. Extraordinary meetings may be called virtually as and when required. Meetings will be 11-4pm to allow for daily travel; overnight accommodation will only be provided if necessary.

Members are required to attend a minimum of two meetings per annum and no deputising is permitted. In order to progress projects, members will be expected to be fully prepared for each meeting.

Members will cease to be a committee member if they:

• Resign from the ARCC.
• Breach confidentiality or act in an unprofessional manner.
• Fail to attend two meetings in any calendar year.
• Fail to be engaged in terms of preparation or input.
• Lapse ABDO or GOC membership.
• Fail to declare conflicts of interest.

Specialist members will be invited as guest committee members as and when the workstream dictates additional support.

Vacant positions

In the event of a member stepping down from the Committee, the membership of the ABDO will be invited to apply.

Remuneration

Attendance at meetings will be remunerated at the daily rate plus reasonable travel expenses for all non-staff members.

Members may be asked to contribute to research projects or papers in order to assist the wider directive. This work will be remunerated at the daily rate for a pre-agreed period of time if the task is deemed sufficiently onerous.

Reporting

The Vice President of ABDO will be the formal link between the ARCC and the ABDO Board of Directors, therefore will propose matters arising from the ARCC that require deliberation and the Board’s approval to proceed via the General Secretary/CEO.

Other ABDO staff will be invited to feed into the work of the ARCC and maybe invited as guest committee members as and when relevant topics are discussed for their input and guidance. At the appropriate time, the work of the Committee will be reported through the Head of Communications by the Chair/Secretariat.

The General Secretary/CEO will also receive minutes from all ARCC meetings and briefings on progress from the Chair and Vice President.