Matthew Redford

Matthew Redford is GOsC’s Chief Executive and Registrar and he has worked for the GOsC in a variety of roles since October 2000. 

What do you do in your role?

I have been in the post of Chief Executive and Registrar since September 2019 and I am accountable to Council for the delivery of our agreed strategy.

This means I make sure the organisation has clear plans in place to deliver on our work and that we are engaging with all our stakeholders so we understand the challenges and opportunities within the sector. I also engage with the Chief Executives and Registrars of the other healthcare regulators about issues affecting healthcare such as regulatory reform.

As Chief Executive and Registrar I am accountable for the performance of the GOsC against external performance standards, such as those set by the Professional Standards Authority. And I am proud of our 14-year unblemished record of success. But in order to be a successful organisation I believe it is important to make sure that I create the right environment, and set the tone from the top, so that my colleagues can perform their roles to the best of their ability. And that is why culture and values are so important to me and to us as an organisation.

What opportunities does your role provide?

I see myself as a champion of all matters related to organisational values and equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. I am proud to have supported and led the GOsC to undertake work since 2019 that has been significant in ensuring that the organisation is more reflective of modern society.

As someone who was born and raised on a Council estate in Bermondsey, in South East London, I am proud of my roots and upbringing and the fact that I haven’t been defined by what many may describe as being from a deprived background.

What is it like working for the GOsC?

I am personally very proud to work at the GOsC. I think we have a great team of dedicated individuals who really care about the work they do and seeing that in action on a daily basis is a huge motivator for me.

We are only a small organisation – just 27 people but I think we give the impression that we are much larger as people I speak to are often surprised to hear how few of us there are. Despite our small numbers we work hard to be inclusive and innovative. And being innovative in a small organisation means that we get the opportunity to try new things and see new projects through from start to end, which you may not be able to do in larger organisations with more hierarchy.

We always strive to be a better organisation tomorrow than we are today and we welcome people to join us from diverse backgrounds, which brings that diversity of thought, so they can bring a range of perspectives to the work we do.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I am an avid chess player and will happily talk to anyone on the subject at length. Although I realise there might not be a long queue of people wanting to take me up on that offer! On a Tuesday evening I can be found at a social chess club in Brighton which I co-run. Something else people are surprised to learn is that I was thrilled to do a skydive freefalling at about 125 mph from around 12,000 feet. Not only was it an exhilarating experience, but working closely with my excellent instructor really helped me to understand and value how important it is to trust in those around you.