RCVS organises virtual info session for prospective election candidates

The RCVS is holding a virtual information session for those thinking of standing as a candidate in the 2023 RCVS Council or Veterinary Nurses Council elections.

Prospective members of RCVS Council and VN Council have until 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2023 to submit their nominations to stand as candidates for the elections, which will take place in March and April 2023.

This one-hour virtual session will be with RCVS President Melissa Donald, Chair of VN Council Matthew Rendle, RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett and RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson and will give delegates an overview of what being a member of RCVS Council or VN Council entails. There will also be the opportunity for potential candidates to ask their questions.  

Topics covered will include:

• The candidate nomination and election process
• The role of RCVS Council and VN Council in the governance of the RCVS and the regulation of the veterinary professions
• The RCVS and VN Council committee structure and delegated powers
• Key duties of RCVS and VN Council members
• What is expected of members of RCVS Council and VN Council including Code of Conduct and the Principles of Public Life

Registration for the event is free and if you have any further questions you can email [email protected]

RCVS Council is the governing body of the College and is responsible for approving major policy decisions concerning both the regulation and advancement of the professions, with Council members also sitting on a number of committees and subcommittees responsible for areas such as standards, education, registration, finance, and the advancement of the professions.

VN Council and its members are responsible for all matters concerning veterinary nurse training, post-qualification awards and the registration of qualified veterinary nurses, as well as the joint RCVS and British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) VN Futures project.

The full eligibility criteria for veterinary surgeons who wish to stand for RCVS Council can be found on our Council election webpage where prospective candidates will also find further information about the role of the RCVS, RCVS Council and RCVS Council members, guidance notes, and frequently asked questions about standing as a candidate.

All of the equivalent details for veterinary nurses, including the ‘job description’ for prospective VN Council members, can be found on the VN Council election webpage.