Call for veterinary nurse council nominations

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is calling for nominations for its Veterinary Nurses Council (VNC).

Comprising eight elected veterinary nurses (VNs), two RCVS Council representatives, three non-Council veterinary surgeons and two lay members, VNC acts on behalf of the veterinary nursing profession within the RCVS.

Two veterinary nurse places will become vacant from July 2007. Nominees must be Listed VNs and be supported by two proposers, also Listed VNs. The election will be held during late-March/April.

Members of the VNC are expected to take part in a range of activities, both formal and informal, fostering good working relationships and practices between members of the veterinary team and the public.

They may also be asked to represent the RCVS with outside organisations and at meetings, or to speak to the media on behalf of the College on issues concerning veterinary nursing.

"The VN Council helps to shape the future of the profession through education, regulation and the setting of standards," according to Andrea Jeffery, VN Council Chairman.

"The profession is going through exciting times, particularly with the planned introduction of the non-statutory VN Register in April.  We need two enthusiastic, motivated individuals to join the team and help us to take the profession forward. No doubt many VNs have views about how their profession should develop - now's their chance to make a difference."

VNC members are expected to spend approximately eight days on RCVS business during a typical year and a loss of earnings allowance is payable to employers.

Contact the RCVS VN department for more information or a nomination form, which must be completed and returned by 23 February 2007: call Annette Amato on (020) 7202 0713 or email on [email protected].