Policy Advisory Panel member

The College of Optometrists is seeking committed and passionate individuals to join our newly established Policy Advisory Panel. This is a great opportunity to help influence health policy and shape the future of eye care in the UK.

The Policy Advisory Panel will provide critical insights and expertise to inform the College’s policy and influencing activities. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the direction, content, and approach of key policy areas, particularly workforce issues and new models of care.

• Inform and shape the College’s policy positions and influencing activities.
• Identify and raise significant policy issues impacting the profession.
• Suggest new topics or issues the College should consider.

• Attend six virtual meetings annually (each lasting up to 90 minutes, with a commitment to attending at least four of the six meetings per year).
• Engage in discussions and provide timely feedback on policy-related activities.
• Participate in email consultations between meetings as needed.

We invite applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, including:

• Optometrists practising in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
• Hospital, academic, research, domiciliary, and primary care optometrists
• Newly qualified optometrists
• Locums
• Optometrists with independent prescribing and/or higher qualifications
• Representatives from the College Council, Lay Advisory Panel, and Patient and Public Reference Group.

The College of Optometrists is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and development to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and healthcare professionals.

The College is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and to avoiding unlawful discrimination. We value the differences that a diverse workforce brings to the organisation. In support of this we follow a fair recruitment process in which shortlisting and other recruitment decisions are made on the basis of skills, competencies and experience demonstrated in the application and interview process. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require a reasonable adjustment to be made to support your application due to a disability or other condition please let us know.

Please complete the web form and upload your CV, and a cover letter (no more than 500 words) outlining your interest or experience in shaping eye health policy.

Application deadline: 19 July 2024
Interview date: TBC

Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to inform those who are not shortlisted, or give feedback. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful.

No agencies or other recruitment services, please.