Group advisory member jobs in Leeds
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The Vacancies
We are seeking to appoint one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant (Companies Committee), one lay member (Education Committee) and one optometrist (Standards Committee) 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. For more information about us please visit our website.
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:
- 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;
- matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
- matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
- 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.
Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance (NI) contributions. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.
How to apply
Please apply with the following:
- 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);
- the application form (attached), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
- an EDI monitoring form (linked in the candidate pack)
Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC01/26 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 about these roles please download the candidate information pack attached.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 29 March 2026.
Online interviews will be held on 14,15,18 and 19 May 2026.
If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Adolescent Health Study
The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.
There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.
Purpose of the post
The Engagement and Involvement Officer will play a central role in supporting meaningful engagement and involvement of young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study.
Primarily, the postholder will be responsible for the stewardship and coordination of the AHS Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG). The post-holder will provide ongoing support to YPAG members to ensure their active participation in opportunities to inform and shape the work of AHS. This will include working closely with the adults in the YPAG members’ lives, including parents/carers, teachers and other relevant adults or professionals. The postholder will also be required to build positive working relationships with other organisations and institutions that work directly with young people. They will support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to develop mechanisms to reach wider and more diverse groups of young people to take part in engagement and involvement activities at AHS.
This is a role that requires confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The post-holder will be a strong advocate for children’s rights, have a sound working knowledge and understanding of safeguarding practices, and demonstrate experience of co-ordinating youth advisory groups, youth councils or similar.
Main responsibilities
Coordination & facilitation
- Plan, organise, and deliver regular meetings, workshops, and consultation sessions with young people.
- Develop accessible, inclusive and engaging materials to support young people’s participation in activities and discussions.
- Ensure robust mechanisms are in place to facilitate a feedback loop, communicating to young people the impact of their input.
- Ensure safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion are embedded in all activities.
- Lead on and maintain communication with young people, parents/carers (where appropriate), and partner organisations.
Support for young people
- Provide guidance, pastoral support, and clear information to help young people take part confidently and safely.
- Facilitate training and development opportunities to build young people’s skills, knowledge, and confidence.
- Foster an environment where young people feel respected, valued, and listened to.
- Manage mechanisms for reward and recognition of young people’s input and contributions.
Strengthen and enable staff team
- Strengthen knowledge and understanding of youth engagement and involvement across the organisation.
- Enable the wider staff team to plan and conduct activities with the YPAG and wider groups of young people, supporting the design of involvement tasks that are age-appropriate, inclusive, and aligned with best practice.
- Provide feedback to colleagues on how to maximise the impact of youth involvement.
Administration & governance
- Manage recruitment and onboarding processes for YPAG members.
- Oversee consent processes, data handling, and safeguarding requirements.
- Coordinate payments, incentives, travel, and expenses for young people.
- Maintain accurate records, produce meeting notes, and ensure timely communication.
- Support the Engagement and Involvement Lead to track, document and report on outcomes and the influence of young people’s involvement on projects and workstreams.
Continuous learning and development
- Contribute to the development of the organisation’s engagement and involvement strategy.
- Contribute to the evaluation of engagement and involvement activities and gather feedback from young people, parents/carers and other relevant parties we work closely with.
- Maintain an interest and working knowledge of best practice in youth involvement, participation, and co‑production.
- Identify opportunities to share learning and reflections with the AHS team and wider colleagues to continuously improve practice and processes.
Interest-holder and partner engagement
- Build and maintain partnerships with schools, youth organisations, and community groups to recruit and support young people to engage in engagement and involvement activities.
- Provide verbal and written presentations of engagement and involvement work with young people to internal and external audiences.
- Represent AHS in meetings, workshops and events where appropriate.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Essential criteria
- Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools).
- A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting.
- Strong facilitation and communication skills, especially with young audiences.
- Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement, including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice.
- Experience of co-ordinating a youth advisory group, council, board or similar structure
- Ability to work autonomously, prioritising tasks and manage own workload.
- Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated commitment to children’s rights, youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s views and perspectives.
- Confidence using online meeting tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365).
Desirable criteria
- Relevant qualification in youth participation, youth work, community engagement or similar.
- Understanding of public involvement in research or willingness to develop expertise.
- Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood.
- Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
- Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online sessions (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint).
Dimensions
- This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
- Flexible working may be required across several geographical locations in the UK. Travel may be necessary to various AHS locations and partner organisations.
- Willingness to work hours flexibly including some evenings/weekends.
Additional Information
- Enhanced DBS/PVG or equivalent safeguarding check will be required.
Application Process
This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available). Please apply with a CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages) explaining what you can bring to this role, and including your current salary.
The closing date for this position is midnight on End of Day Sunday 29 March.
Interviews are currently expected to be held during the weeks commencing 27 April and 05 May.
Equal Opportunities Policy Statement
AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.
Values
It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration.
About the Project
PKD Scotland: Outreach and Community Connections Project.
It is estimated that around 5,000 people in Scotland could be living with Polycystic Kidney
Disease. It is however often poorly understood and historically underfunded, meaning people
can leave clinic after diagnosis with little support beyond medical appointments. Many tell us
they don't know where to turn for emotional support or to meet others living with the same
condition. We want to change that and with support from a National lottery Awards for All grant
that is exactly what we are going to do.
The eighteen-month project will see us reach into hospitals across Scotland to try and ensure
that no one with PKD in Scotland has to manage their journey on their own. From diagnosis
onwards we want all to be aware of the charity, the array of services that we offer and foster
engagement. Two new volunteer led support groups will be established and a group of
ambassadors recruited to support the ongoing connections we make to ensure that PKD
remains in the spotlight.
As our Scotland PKD Engagement Officer you will be central to the success of the project.
Many people only reach us years after diagnosis, often when symptoms worsen, but we know
that early connection can make a real difference. PKD is lifelong and people face new
challenges at every stage. Having support around them helps them stay confident, informed
and connected.
About The Role
As PKD’s Scotland Engagement Officer, you will play a central role in delivering this ambitious
outreach project.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will raise awareness of the PKD Charity and its services,
ensuring that people diagnosed with PKD are informed about available support from the earliest
possible stage.
You will build and nurture relationships with NHS professionals and services across Scotland,
helping embed PKD Charity information and resources into patient pathways. Alongside this, you
will work closely with volunteers to establish two new PKD support groups and develop an
ambassador programme to maintain long-term local engagement and visibility.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident relationship-builder who enjoys working
autonomously while contributing to a small and dedicated team. Your work will help ensure that
people living with PKD across Scotland feel informed, connected and supported throughout every
stage of their condition.
For more information and details on how to apply, please read the full Job Description.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Hours: A minimum of three days per week up to full time
Contract: Permanent
Location: Home-based with occasional travel to our office in Vauxhall, London (approximately four times per year), occasional travel to visit projects and approximately two overnight stays per year
Reports to: Head of Marketing, Communications and Fundraising.
About Housing Justice
Housing Justice brings together communities and finds solutions to homelessness by building personal connections, a sense of belonging, and creating justice in the housing system. We train and support volunteers to offer various accommodation options while building a network of local support. This includes providing personalised assistance to help individuals access relevant local services and address their other needs. Through compassionate, courageous, and collaborative action, we implement innovative solutions to tackle housing injustice, enhance the quality of housing, and elevate the voices and experiences of groups affected by housing injustice to both local and national governments. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and recognise the value of lived experience of homelessness.
About your role
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled Fundraising Co-ordinator to join the Marketing, Communications and Fundraising team at Housing Justice.As Fundraising Co-ordinator, you will identify both statutory and grant funding opportunities to fund our projects, and craft compelling bids and proposals that clearly articulate our vision, services, and value to commissioners and funders. You will also be responsible for applying for relevant accreditations to support your applications and will have experience of building corporate partnerships.
Please note that we do not accept CVs or applications that are not submitted using our standard application form..
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you a highly organised project leader with a track record of developing rigorous and impactful processes? Do you want to lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation transforming mental health in higher education? This could be the role for you.
We’re looking for a methodical and strategic Programme Manager (Award) to manage the end-to-end delivery of University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award and act as key spokesperson for the programme.
You’ll play a vital role in ensuring that the Award upholds its standards and values, and continues to develop and scale, supporting positive change for staff and students at universities across the UK.
About the role
- Lead the delivery of the nationally-recognised accreditation for mental health in higher education: the University Mental Health Charter Award.
- The UMHC Award recognises universities that promote the mental health and wellbeing of their university communities and supports them to continually improve.
- You will own the end-to-end management of a complex, high-profile and impactful programme, balancing administrative excellence and strategic development.
Key responsibilities
- Drive the Award lifecycle, from onboarding universities, coordinating our network of assessors and managing the Award panel.
- Scale and continually improve the Award process, ensuring it remains rigorous, impactful and values-led.
- Act as key spokesperson and point of contact for universities and other stakeholders.
- Responsible for budget, risk and line management.
What we’re looking for
- Proven track record of managing complex projects.
- Experience developing, maintaining and improving robust systems and processes.
- A rigorous approach to accuracy and quality control.
- Comfortable holding difficult conversations with stakeholders at all levels.
- A commitment to co-production, equality, anti-racism and an interest in mental health.
Find out more about the essential criteria for this role by downloading our Recruitment Pack from the documents section.
What you will gain
- The chance to contribute to a high-impact national programme supporting better mental health for university communities across the UK.
- Experience in a varied role with opportunities to learn and develop.
- A supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values wellbeing.
- Flexibility in how and where you work.
How to apply
If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!
- Click “Redirect to recruiter”, then scroll to the 'Vacancies and volunteering' section of our 'Join our team' page to access the job listing.
- Download the recruitment pack in the document section at the bottom of this page, where you’ll find more information about the role including responsibilities and person specifications.
- Download and complete our application form - instead of collecting CVs, we use an application form to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all.
- Please refrain from including any identifying details in your application answers.
- Upload your completed application form as a word document.
- Please note that once you start your application on our portal, you will have 24 hours to upload your completed form. Before clicking 'Apply' and beginning the application process, make sure your form is fully completed and ready to upload.
- Complete the Equality Monitoring Form.
Student Minds is committed to building an inclusive team and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life.