eGDCThe Council
The Council is the GDC's strategic body. It decides policy, sets strategic direction and approves key organisational changes. The Council works to promote public safety and ensure that the public have confidence in the dental profession.
A large part of the Council's role is to scrutinise the work of the organisation, set a positive tone and culture, seek assurance over the way in which the organisation is run and hold the Executive to account.
Council Chair
Lord Toby Harris was appointed as Chair of the General Dental Council, following approval by the Privy Council, and took up office on 1 October 2021.
Council members
The Council is made up of 12 members, including its chair, comprising six registrant members and six lay members. One member must live or work wholly or mainly in each of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, to reflect the fact that the GDC is a UK-wide regulator. Its constitution is set out in legislation; the Dentists Act 1984 and in secondary legislation. Council members’ registers of interests can be found on their individual profile pages.
Committees
The Council has a number of statutory and non-statutory committees with various roles and responsibilities.
Standing Orders
Legislation, Rules and Standing Orders set out the role and responsibilities of Council and its committees.
Register of interests, gifts and hospitality
All GDC employees, associates and Council members must declare any professional, personal or business activities or involvement that might constitute a conflict of interest in line with our Managing Interests Policies:
Managing Interests Policy for Council Members and Independent Governance Associates
Managing Interests Policy for Staff
They must also declare any gifts or hospitality that they are offered, regardless of whether or not they are accepted or declined, in line with our Gifts and Hospitality Policies:
Gifts and Hospitality Policy for Council Members and Independent Governance Associates
Gifts and Hospitality Policy for Staff
Declarations of interests, gifts and hospitality for Council members, and for members of the Executive Management Team can be found on their individual profile pages.
Council meetings
Council meetings, both public and closed sessions, are held several times a year, usually at the GDC offices in London or Birmingham.