Lesley Longstone appointed as permanent GOC Chief Executive and Registrar

The General Optical Council (GOC) has today announced that its interim Chief Executive and Registrar, Lesley Longstone, has been appointed to the role permanently.

Lesley, who joined the GOC on 17 September 2018, said, “I have really enjoyed my six months in the role and am delighted to be staying on a permanent basis. I will continue the work I have done over the last six months to deliver our regulatory functions and education reforms.

“It is also time for us to develop our next strategic plan, to take effect from 2020. I look forward to working with all my colleagues at the GOC and with our many partners and stakeholders to develop our plans for the future, ensuring that the GOC continues to maintain public safety in a fast-changing world.”

The GOC has also extended the contract of its Interim Director of Education, Dr Subo Shanmuganathan. Originally appointed on a contract until June 2019, Subo will remain at the GOC until at least March 2020, leading the Education Strategic Review.

GOC Chair Gareth Hadley added, “In Lesley’s first six months in the role she has made an extremely positive impact. I am delighted that she has accepted our offer to take on the role permanently and I know that her skills and expertise will ensure that we are well equipped to meet the challenges of the future.

“Subo is an educational expert who will ensure that we get our Education Strategic Review right. It is fantastic that we have her on board for another year, as part of a strong Senior Management Team committed to patient safety.”