RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson to retire this summer

Our Registrar and Director of Legal Services, Eleanor Ferguson, will retire from the role this July, after almost 20 years at the College.

Eleanor (pictured) has worked at the College since July 2004 when she was brought in to lead the development and launch of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS). She subsequently took on the role of Disciplinary Solicitor and then Head of Professional Conduct, before becoming Registrar in 2016.

Her retirement was announced by RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett at RCVS Council on Thursday 14 March 2024, where she received a standing ovation from the Council members who were present for her contribution both to the profession and the organisation.

In addition to the launch of PSS, Eleanor’s achievements during her almost 20 years at the College include developing and implementing the Health and Performance Protocols, establishing the Veterinary Client Mediation Service with Nockolds Solicitors, and doing much to modernise the College’s concerns investigation process.

Lizzie said: “I now have the unenviable task of trying to replace the irreplaceable, but I am glad that we have Eleanor until the summer so that we can fully benefit from the depth and breadth of her institutional knowledge and wisdom.

“A short list of Eleanor’s achievements at the College doesn’t quite do enough justice to just how much of an impact she has had during her two decades here, including as a fantastic leader to her team in the Professional Conduct Department and the PSS, and as someone that truly demonstrates RCVS values with her integrity and probity.

“Though there will be plenty of opportunity to pay our tributes and say our goodbyes to Eleanor over the next few months, I would just like to thank her for all she’s done and wish her a very happy, eventual, retirement!”

A recruitment process for the role will be undertaken over the coming weeks.