The Vacancies
We are seeking to appoint two business registrants and one dispensing optician 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 (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:
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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;
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matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
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matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
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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.
A daily fee of £319 will be paid. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule. This is taxable and subject to Class 1 National Insurance (NI) contributions. It is not pensionable.
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:
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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);
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the application form (attcahed below), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
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an EDI monitoring form (link can be found in the candidate pack below).
Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC05/25 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 please see the attached candidate information pack.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 09 November 2025.
Online interviews will be held the week commencing 12 January 2026.
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.
Thank you!
Salary: Circa £80,000 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: EdCity, 1 EdCity Walk, EdCity, London, W12 7TF (hybrid working - office-based three days per week)
Lead the next chapter of commercial innovation at Lift Schools
Lift Schools is embarking on a major new chapter, expanding our commercial activity to generate sustainable income that fuels our mission. We’re searching for an entrepreneurial and strategic Head of Commercial Ventures to build and lead our first commercial strategy, growing innovative ventures that balance financial sustainability with social impact.
Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering Lift Schools’ commercial enterprise strategy. This is a unique opportunity to design, launch and scale commercial initiatives that will directly support our ambition: an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day.
About the role
As Head of Commercial Ventures, you will:
- Develop and deliver Lift’s first commercial enterprise strategy, aligned to our educational mission
- Grow and optimise existing ventures such as estate lettings and apprenticeship provision
- Identify and build new market opportunities — products, services and partnerships across the education and wider sector
- Lead development of business models, pricing strategies, go-to-market plans and commercial governance frameworks
- Establish systems, processes and performance metrics to ensure all commercial ventures are sustainable, ethical, and aligned with our educational purpose
You’ll work closely with senior leaders, schools and operational teams to turn ideas into scalable revenue streams, balancing innovation with integrity.
You’ll be someone who:
- Brings a strong track record in commercial business development, product design or venture growth
- Has taken a commercial idea from concept to delivery and scaled it successfully
- Combines strategic acumen with hands-on delivery and entrepreneurial drive
- Understands commercial governance, risk, and compliance in charitable or educational settings
- Understands how to generate revenue in purpose-led contexts such as education, consultancy or social enterprise, ensuring all ventures reflect Lift Schools’ values
- Builds credibility quickly and collaborates confidently with senior stakeholders
- Be a confident and collaborative leader, comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, including Trustees, school leaders and partners, and inspiring cross-functional teams to deliver new initiatives
You are commercially astute, creative, resilient and motivated by impact, someone who sees opportunity where others see limitation.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
Our mission:
- We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
- With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
- We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.
How we support you
At Lift Schools, we believe talent drives performance. We offer you:
- Comprehensive training: We offer bespoke training to help you hone your skills and progress your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
- Lifestyle savings: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.
Ready to apply? Get in touch here. We can’t wait to hear from you.
The role is due to commence as soon as possible.
Closing date: 19th November 2025, 5pm
Interview date: 3rd December 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Non Charity Employer
More than 1000
An excellent education for every child, in every classroom, everyday.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.