The General Optical Council (GOC) has announced the appointment of Vicky McDermott as its new chief executive and registrar. Vicky, who will take up the position on 4 September 2017, will replace Samantha Peters, the current chief executive and registrar.
Vicky joins the GOC after serving three years as the chief executive officer of the Papworth Trust, the leading disability charity in the east of England. Here she was responsible for leading an organisation of over 600 staff with a broad portfolio across accessible housing, social care, disability employment and policy. She also steps down from her role as chair of the Care and Support Alliance, in which she directed more than 90 charities in campaigning for improved adult social care across England. Vicky joined the Papworth Trust in 2014 from the NHS Business Services Authority, where she led the transformation of the NHS Pension scheme and advised Government Ministers on a range of issues. In addition to her experience in healthcare, she has worked in the private sector for BT; responsible for transformation and customer involvement.
Announcing the appointment, Gareth Hadley, chair of the GOC said: “I am really pleased to welcome Vicky to the GOC. She brings a wealth of experience to the role and joins us at a pivotal time for the organisation, as we embark on our new Strategic Plan for 2017/20. I am confident that Vicky will provide the GOC with the strong leadership needed to ensure that the optical sector is ready to face the challenges of the future. I would also like to thank Samantha Peters for the significant contribution that she has made to the GOC over the past six years, and wish her all the best for the future.”
Vicky McDermott said: “I am delighted to be joining the GOC, at what is a very exciting time for the organisation and the optical sector. I look forward to working with the Council, staff, registrants and patients to build on the GOC’s strong reputation for protecting and promoting the health and safety of the public.”