GDC begins search for new Chair and Council Members
Applications are now open until 24 February.
The General Dental Council (GDC) today launched recruitment campaigns for a new Chair of Council and two Council Member positions.
The GDC is working with its recruitment partner Saxton Bampfylde to identify a successor to Lord Toby Harris as its Chair, who can be either lay or registrant, and two new lay Council Members. An additional lay Council Member position may become available if a dental professional is appointed as Chair.
Applications are now open until 24 February for candidates with an interest in dental regulation who share the GDC’s vision for a system of regulation that supports the provision of safe, effective oral health care.
These crucial appointments will help shape the future of dental regulation in the UK.The regulator welcomes applications from candidates who have a diverse range of backgrounds and can bring fresh perspectives and experience to its Council.
The Chair will lead the Council in shaping its strategic vision to provide robust scrutiny of operations to protect public safety and confidence in dental services.
The successful candidate, who could be either lay or a dental professional, will bring significant non-executive board-level experience, a proven ability to lead through change, and exceptional stakeholder management skills.
The Chair’s responsibilities include fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, working closely with Council Members and the executive team, and representing the GDC in external engagements across the UK to build trust with stakeholders.
A background in the public or regulatory sector, combined with strategic thinking, strong governance credentials, and a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and good governance will be essential in this pivotal leadership role.
Council Members are appointed for an initial four-year term, with a maximum tenure of eight years. None of the roles have any geographic restrictions, as other Members currently fulfil regional representation requirements.
The Privy Council will appoint the successful candidates after the GDC-managed recruitment process, with the Professional Standards Authority providing assurance on the process.
In September 2025, the incumbent Chair Lord Toby Harris will complete his four-year term, while Sheila Kumar and Anne Heal will conclude their maximum eight-year terms as lay Council Members.
For further information about the roles, including details about how to apply, please visit Saxton Bampfylde’s website. Alternatively, email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com.