Exploring life on Veterinary Nurses Council

Thinking of standing for Veterinary Nurses Council this year? Looking for an insight into what life on Council is actually like?

We spoke to current VN Council members Simon Williams RVN, first elected in 2023, and Jessica Beckett RVN, first elected in 2022, about their experiences and why they originally decided to stand.

Simon Williams RVN, elected to VN Council in 2023

Why did you decide to stand for VN Council?

The VN profession has discussed certain topics for some time and, while progress is evident, it is not readily apparent for every RVN. Furthermore, military RVNs seem even further from general conversational undercurrents within out profession and hear little from within and from our governing body, other than via email updates. I was driven to offer my assistance with the work the VN Council is doing under the RCVS, to guide and regulate the profession and also act as a link back into my profession to exhibit that work and ensure that my colleagues are aware of the progress which is being made.

What have you enjoyed most about being a VN Council member?

I have enjoyed meeting so many more of my professional colleagues including students, RCVS employees and other RVNs within the profession. I have enjoyed meeting lay personnel from outside the profession who feed their experience in other sectors into our work. I am still very much learning the ropes within VN Council as a newly elected member; however, I look forward to more Council meetings where I can truly begin to be of valuable service.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become a member of VN Council?

I would absolutely recommend running for Council to anyone with an interest. I feel that VN Council is a tremendously valuable part of the RCVS and governance of our profession. I would say that the focus of the RCVS Council is on our professions' impact on the general public as much as it is on enhancing our own professional capabilities, so prospective candidates should consider this when deciding how they wish to present their statement.

Jessica Beckett RVN, elected to VN Council in 2022

Why did you decide to stand for VN Council?

I wanted to stand for VN Council to help make a difference to our profession. I believe strongly that in order to make a change, you have to promote your beliefs, get involved and strive to demonstrate yourself as being the best you can be.

What have you enjoyed most about being a VN Council member?

I enjoy networking with fellow professionals within the VN Council – nurses come from all walks of life and have so many different experiences in their professional roles. This is why it is important to have these different people on each committee – to give a thorough and balanced view. I like to maintain relationships with people to learn from them and see how we can better understand new ways of working to benefit us all.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become a member of VN Council?

You don’t have to be the most experienced or qualified nurse – you are the future of our profession and your opinion counts! You have nothing to lose by trying, but everything to gain if you succeed.

If you are interested in standing for VN Council in 2024, please visit our dedicated VN Council election page for more information and to download our 'information pack for prospective candidates'. Please note: candidate nomination forms must be received no later than 5pm on 31 January 2024.