Applications wanted for GMC Council chair and member roles to promote patient safety across UK

People who want to play a leading role in promoting patient safety across the UK are being encouraged to apply for a position on the governing body of the General Medical Council (GMC).

The reconstituted Council of 12 members will drive forward the GMC’s ambitious programme of work for the next four years.

The move to a smaller governing body follows a shake-up of the size of the councils for healthcare regulators in a move designed to provide greater value for money while giving them greater autonomy.

The GMC's Council is currently made up of 24 members, including an elected chair. Following the changes, the size of the Council will be halved and the Council chair will be appointed directly to the post rather than elected from within the Council.

As with now, the Council will have an equal number of lay and medical members and will include at least one member who lives or works wholly or mainly in each of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Niall Dickson, Chief Executive of the General Medical Council, said:

‘This is an historic change. The Council plays a critical role in setting the strategic direction for the GMC, as well as making sure that we are properly managed and that we fulfil our statutory role of protecting the public and ensuring proper standards of medicine.

‘The current Council has driven forward a wide-range of major initiatives to increase the GMC’s contribution to patient safety in the UK. We are confident that revalidation will begin by the end of this year and that is testament to the focussed work of this Council.

'Other significant achievements include fitness to practice reforms, the roll out of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service and the launch of our employer liaison and regional liaison teams to give us a much stronger local presence on the ground across the UK.

‘Building on the excellent work of this Council, the GMC is now looking to appoint individuals of the highest calibre from a wide range of backgrounds and interests.’

The Council Chair applications close on 30th July with the successful candidate appointed in September. Applicants must have a strong track record of leadership in substantial, high profile roles in complex environments, together with significant chairing or board-level leadership experience.

Council member applications close on 31st August with successful candidates appointed in November. Applicants must have experience of setting strategy, exercising oversight and ensuring effective corporate governance and taking high-level policy decisions.

Appointments for all posts are made for a period of up to four years.

Newly appointed Council members will have an induction programme during November and December before formally starting their role on 1 January 2013.

The appointments process will include the setting up of a panel with independent members which will make the appointments. For more information on the process and application details on the Council chair or member posts visit www.gmccouncilappointments.com