RCVS Fellowship Board election results announced

RCVS Fellows have elected two members to the Fellowship Board, which governs the Fellowship in its mission to promote scientific excellence, further professional skills and practice and enrich public discourse on the importance of veterinary science.

Throughout June, Fellows were asked to vote for the election of individuals to two positions – Chair of the Fellowship Board, and Chair of the Credentials Panel for the Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice pathway.

Dr Niall Connell FRCVS, who stepped up from Vice Chair to acting interim Chair of the Fellowship Board since the resignation of the previous Chair, has been formally elected as Chair of the Board. In his role as Chair, Niall will continue to lead the Board, which is responsible for setting the criteria for joining the Fellowship across all three of its routes to entry, as well as the process by which applications are assessed. An election for the position of Vice Chair of the Fellowship board will take place in the autumn.

On his appointment, Niall (pictured right) said: “I am honoured beyond words to be elected Chair of the RCVS Fellowship and I'm very grateful for the support received to achieve this. 

“I know I have very big shoes to fill, thanks to the great efforts that have gone on before and I will put all my available energy into continuing to work with our Fellows and the College to progress the goals of RCVS Fellowship as a resource of independent knowledge for our professions, to upskill and always innovate, while looking to enrich public awareness and discussion.”

Meanwhile, Nicky Paull MRCVS, who has held the position of Chair of the Credentials Panel for the Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice pathway for the past three years, was successfully re-elected. Continuing in her current role, Nicky will be responsible for making informed assessments of applicants aiming to gain Fellowship through the Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice pathway. She will co-ordinate and oversee a review of the applications by her fellow panel members, as well as chairing any required appropriate panel meetings.

On her appointment, Nicky (pictured right) said: “I look forward to the challenge of continuing to grow the diversity of the Fellowship and celebrate those who, by their contribution to the advancement of the profession by clinical or educational scholarship and leadership, have had a significant impact on clinical practice within the veterinary profession.”

The candidates who stood for election were as follows:

Fellowship Board Chair:

• Dr Niall Connel FRCVS (Elected)
• Dr Christianne Glossop FRCVS
• Paul Higgs FRCVS

Chair of the Credentials Panel (Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice pathway)

• Nicky Paull MRCVS (Elected)

Both Niall and Nicky will be formally instated into their roles at Fellowship Day, which is due to take place on Thursday 28 November at One Great George Street, London.

Further information about the role of the Fellowship Board and Credentials Panels can be found on our dedicated RCVS Fellowship webpage.