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William Wilkinson
BSc (Hons) Bioveterinary Science, BVetMed, GCLT, FHEA, MRCVS
Candidate 19 of 20
Proposers: Dr Nigel White, Nia Williams
Contact details
Candidate biography
I studied Bioveterinary Science at Liverpool (2008-2011), the accelerated vet course at the RVC (2011-2015) and participated in the VPHA masterclass in Glasgow in 2015. After qualifying I worked in small animal practice for several years (independent and corporate), seeing a mixture of pets plus some occasional chickens and exotics. I kept a small flock of my own sheep (Lleyns) and managed another small flock (Jacobs) until 2022. Ikeep hens and am an Army Reserve Veterinary Officer. In 2020 I began teaching at Surrey University part time (if you can't do, teach?), gaining a Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching whilst also doing some locum work including OOH shifts. I developed and taught materials on conservation and sustainability topics for the Wildlife and Conservation BSc at Merrist Wood in 2021, run a small beekeeping business and am currently studying for a certificate in veterinary aquaculture. I also volunteer as a sailing instructor/paddlesport coach and am a committed Christian.
Memberships:
RCVS
VDS
WAVMA
GWCT
BFA
BBKA
VCF
Candidate statement
Why do you want to stand to be a member of RCVS Council?
I initially stood for Council after a colleague and friend challenged me to stop just complaining about the RCVS and actually do something about it. I've been on the receiving end of the complaints process, which is what drove me out of full time practice, and want to make the system better. I believe that the best people to regulate the veterinary profession are the ones who have the unique expertise to set the standards and the most to lose if public confidence is lost through those standards not being upheld – veterinary surgeons.
What do you think you can bring to RCVS Council?
Recent experience of being on Council so I am up to speed with the legislation and many of the topics which may come up in the next few years. I also believe in the concepts of Veterinary Surgeons as a self-regulating Profession and that practices should be veterinary run local businesses, not corporates. I try to take a common sense approach, thinking of second and third order effects of decisions before making them and understand what it's like being a practicing vet.
I believe firmly in our Profession and in the Nolan Principles – selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
What relevant experience do you have?
I have spent the last three years on Council after Colin Whiting stood down. In this time I have argued and voted against changes to Under Care/Out of Hours, against the proposed changes to RCVS Council (arguing in favour of a majority of elected veterinary surgeons on Council) and against various proposals from DEFRA which I believe weaken certification. I have argued to improve the time taken for complaints to be resolved by PIC/DC and for tougher KPIs for this as well as arguing to end the TRNOV scheme and develop schemes to encourage UK graduates to consider OV work.
In addition, I have a broad range of interests and contacts across many relevant fields of the veterinary profession plus many outside it and have experience of leadership and communication through teaching, Reserves training and work as a sailing and paddlesport instructor. Prior to Council I was a member of the PCC at my church (effectively board of trustees) and have a strong set of personal values.
Is there anything else you would like to add in support of your candidacy?
It can be hard being a vet. Some of the issues are due to the RCVS and some of them aren't. In the last few years on Council I feel like I've largely failed – Under Care changes went through, as did proposals for changes to Council composition in new legislation and corporates are still dominating. The RCVS continues to allow various DEFRA schemes which I believe weaken certification standards and the turnaround time for complaints has increased. However, I have consistently been – and continue to be – a voice for what I believe is right. I speak honestly and boldly in favour of high standards for the RCVS and the Profession and I will continue to do so for as long as my fellow MRCVS' consider me worthy of the honour of being representative of them.
Last time I was humbled by how many people voted for me. Regardless of what happens this time, thank you to any who put, or have put, their trust in me. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.