Call for candidates for RCVS and VN Councils 2016 elections

Nominations are now invited from all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are eligible to stand for RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses (VN) Council, respectively, in next year’s elections.

Next year’s elections will not be affected by the current Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) consultation on our governance arrangements and so, as always, six seats will be contested for RCVS Council, while two places are available on VN Council. Successful candidates are expected to serve four-year terms and will take up their places at RCVS Day in July 2016.

We are looking for committed and motivated veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are dedicated to their respective professions and who, through the Councils and their various committees and subcommittees, wish to have direct input in decisions relating to how the College sets and advances standards of education and professional conduct," Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar 

The nomination period for both RCVS and VN Councils runs until 5pm on Sunday 31 January 2016.

In order to stand, candidates for either Council will need to complete a nomination form, submit a short biography and personal statement and supply a high resolution digital photo.

Each candidate will also need to have two nominators. For RCVS Council candidates, these should be veterinary surgeons who are on our Register but are not current RCVS Council members; for VN Council candidates, the nominators must be registered veterinary nurses who are not currently on VN Council.

Gordon Hockey, our Registrar, says: “We are looking for committed and motivated veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are dedicated to their respective professions and who, through the Councils and their various committees and subcommittees, wish to have direct input in decisions relating to how the College sets and advances standards of education and professional conduct. If this sounds like you then please find out more about standing as a candidate.”

Liz Cox, Chair of VN Council, adds: “I would strongly encourage all those who want to have a say and play a leadership role in veterinary nursing to stand up and be counted and put themselves forward as a candidate.

"It is a very exciting time to join VN Council as the new Royal Charter has formalised the Council’s powers to regulate education and our professional standards, meaning that the decisions you make can have a very real impact on the profession.”

The election period will start around mid-March and run until 5pm on Friday 29 April 2016. Ballot papers will be sent to all registered veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are eligible to vote and, during the election period, we will be sourcing questions directly from you to put to the candidates.

Nomination forms, guidance notes and frequently asked questions for RCVS Council are available to download as are the equivalent documents for VN Council candidates.

Prospective candidates for either Councils are also invited a ‘Meet the RCVS Day’ at our offices in Belgravia House on Tuesday 15 December 2015, where you will have the opportunity to find out more about the role of the College and RCVS and VN Councils.

RCVS President Dr Bradley Viner and Chair of VN Council Liz Cox will also be on hand to answer questions about the duties and responsibilities of members of the respective Councils. Those interested in attending should contact Emma Lockley, Events Officer, on [email protected] or 020 7202 0773. Reasonable expenses for travel will be reimbursed.