General Optical Council

GOC events

On 29 July 2008, a seminar entitled 'Implementing the White Paper' was held to provide key stakeholders with an update on GOC plans to implement the White Paper recommendations. 

In addition to speakers on behalf of the GOC, we were delighted to welcome Gavin Larner, Director of Professional Regulation for the DH, and Jan Nottingham and Sue Davis from the Appointments Commission, as guest speakers for the event. 

Topics covered included:

• The future constitution of Council and its committees, including stakeholder involvement
• The timetable and process for appointing a new Chair and Council members
• The implementation of the civil standard of proof
• Plans for OHPA

Copies of the GOC presentations are now available to download.

GOC consultations

The GOC's consultation on proposed amendments to the Rules which constitute our statutory committees, has now closed.

External consultations

The Department of Health has recently consulted on the GOC's Constitution Order which set out proposals for the future constitution of Council including its composition, the terms of office of Council members, and criteria for the disqualification, suspension or removal of members from office. 

Our response to the consultation is available to download from our publications section.

Consultation findings
Earlier this year, CHRE consulted on the principle of harmonising sanctions across the healthcare regulators.  The aim of the consultation was to gauge support and to identify a range of sanctions that should be available when fitness to practise has been found to be impaired.  CHRE have recently published their position on the principle of harmonising sanctions, along with an analysis of the consultation responses. 

Our response to the consultation is available to download from our publications section.