Could you be the next GOsC Northern Ireland Council lay member?

Joan Martin, who has been a GOsC member of Council for the past eight years, offers her advice to anyone considering applying for the position of Northern Ireland Council lay member. As her term of appointment comes to an end, she offers insights into what can be gained from taking on the role.

I worked firstly as an occupational therapist and then as a university lecturer in occupational therapy for 23 years. The experience that I brought to the GOsC as a lay member was from an education, regulation and health perspective. I have worked on other boards but saw the opportunity at the GOsC to develop my strategic thinking through the Council’s perspective.

The GOsC is a UK-wide organisation representing all four countries. As the Northern Ireland lay member, it would be useful to have some knowledge of the Health Service in Northern Ireland. Public appointments are important to stakeholders as their function ensures that the organisation’s statutory function is delivered, this provides protection for the patient.

As well as the regular Council meetings, there is the opportunity to sit on other committees including the Policy and Education, Audit, and Remuneration Committees. This allows you to develop new corporate interests and widen your experience.

During my eight years at GOsC I feel I have helped to shape changes in the areas of Fitness to Practise and Education as these were two areas that held a particular interest for me.

Taking on this role will help you gain knowledge of the working of a health professional regulator.

If you’d like to contribute to the strategic direction and scrutiny of the work of the GOsC, find out more and apply.

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