Still time to stand as a candidate for RCVS or VN Council

Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who wish to have a say in the future of their respective professions have until the end of the month to put themselves forward as candidates for RCVS Council and VN Council.

Each year six RCVS Council seats are contested while two seats are available for VN Council. Successful candidates will serve four-year terms.

The nomination period runs until 5pm on Saturday 31 January and, in order to stand, candidates for either RCVS or VN Council will need to complete a nomination form, submit a short biography, write a short personal statement and supply a high resolution digital photo.

Each candidate will also need to provide two nominations – for RCVS Council candidates this should be two veterinary surgeons on our Register who are not current Council members; for VN Council candidates nominators must be registered or listed VNs who are not current VN Council members.

Gordon Hockey, Registrar, says: “By standing for election, veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses can have a real and tangible impact on the future direction of their professions through the work and decisions of the two main Councils, their committees and the various subcommittees and working groups set up to consider particular issues.

“For example, they can play a part in setting and advancing the standards for veterinary education in the UK and professional conduct for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.”

The election period commences in early March and runs until Friday 24 April. Successful candidates for either Council will take up their seats at RCVS Day - our Annual General Meeting and Awards Day - on Friday 10 July 2015.

RCVS Council candidate nomination forms, guidance notes and FAQs are available for download; as are the equivalent documentsfor VN Council.

Last year we also produced two short videos [or click on images above] outlining what is involved in being a Council member, the benefits it can bring and the amount of time it requires.

If you are in need of further guidance about standing as a candidate for RCVS Council please contact Dawn Wiggins, Council Secretary, on [email protected] or 020 7202 0737.

If you wish to stand for VN Council please contact Annette Amato on [email protected] or 020 7202 0713.