The College of Optometrists

The College of Optometrists is to re-structure to ensure greater regional representation and stronger links to its membership. Following an extensive review process, the Council of the College, at its meeting on 6 November 2002, approved the report from management consultants, Headlam Associates, which details the future strategic direction for the College.

The paper presented to Council reviewed the processes within the College and the structure of the both the Council and secretariat. In addition, the commitments of the College have been reviewed to ensure the College becomes a more robust and proactive organisation, better supporting its membership by concentrating its limited resources on key areas of activity.

Frank Munro, President of the College said: "The College Council has been bold to take these steps to change the way in which we work. As a key part of the review process, we consulted widely with the profession, most importantly with our membership, and I would like to thank all those who have contributed. I am confident that our plans for the future will enable us to provide the best possible service to the public and the profession. Change of this level will take some time to implement, and I look forward to leading the College through this stage of the process."

There will be a Council consisting of twelve members who will be legal trustees of the College with full governance responsibilities. There will be a larger Supervisory Council, consisting of 35 elected members who are to be regionally elected, in order to encourage greater regional links with members. There will also be four lay members on the Supervisory Council and one representative of British Universities Committee on Optometry (BUCO). These fundamental changes will lead to improved College governance and accountability, which will ensure the College is better placed to tackle new and existing challenges.

The College will focus more strongly on direct membership service, in order to provide a higher level of support to the members who enable the College to carry out its activities as a public benefit body. There will be a re-structuring of Secretariat to reflect new College priorities.

 

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