Section 2: Veterinary Nurses Council (VNC) governance reform

34. Veterinary Nurses Council’s governance composition better reflects the regulatory norm in some respects, compared with RCVS Council. It has only 14 members (plus one observer from the RCVS Officer Team) – closer to the usual practice of having 10-12 members. In addition to the elected veterinary nurse members there are also two independently-appointed veterinary nurse members, including the current Chair.

Recommendation 2.1: A fully-appointed VN Council

35. VNC proposes that the remaining elected nurse component of its membership be replaced by an independent appointment system based on Professional Standards Authority guidance. This would bring it in line with the regulatory norm. An appointment process could seek to achieve representation from all four nations of the UK, along with ensuring that members bring expertise from across the sector.

Recommendation 2.2: Reducing the size of Veterinary Nurses Council

36. VNC proposes that its membership be reduced to 12 members, in line with the regulatory norm, from the current 14. This will retain a broad range of knowledge and experience while reducing costs, and encourage a focus on strategy and governance rather than operational matters.

Recommendation 2.3: Lay parity on VN Council

37. At present there are only four lay members of VNC – less than one third of the total. VNC proposes introduce a parity of lay and professional members, in line with the regulatory norm. It is the norm for regulators to have a parity of lay and professional members on their governing bodies, rather than a professional majority, in order to give the public assurance that the regulator acts in their interests.