Wider participation encouraged in college elections

NOMINATIONS for both RCVS and VN councils are open and all members of the professions are invited to put themselves forward.

Last year – for the first time in more than a decade – no women candidates stood for election to RCVS council. The RCVS says it is determined to widen participation in council among the whole profession.

Six seats are available on RCVS council and two on VN council, each for a four-year tenure. Existing RCVS council members David Catlow, Jacqui Molyneux, Bob Partridge, Christine Shield, Neil Smith and Clare Tapsfield-Wright are due to retire from council next year, but are all eligible for re-election.

Suzanne May and Hilary Orpet will be retiring from VN council, but will be similarly eligible to stand again in 2014.

The college has produced two videos to help veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses learn more about what’s involved in being a council member, the benefits it can bring and the amount of time it requires. These can be found at: www.youtube.com/rcvsvideos.

Talking about the videos, RCVS registrar Gordon Hockey said: “We have chosen the theme ‘People like you’ for these videos because people on the councils really are no different from their colleagues across all aspects of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions. The thoughts and experiences they describe on camera will sound very familiar to many of their colleagues and peers!
 
“We need people of all ages and of varying experiences and professional backgrounds to ensure there is a healthy and diverse range of views available,” he added.

A meet the RCVS day will be hosted on December 10 for people wishing to find out more. Information and bookings are available from Fiona Harcourt, communications officer, on 020 7202 0773, email f.harcourt@rcvs.org.uk.

Nominations for both councils are open until 5pm on January 31, 2014. Information about RCVS council may be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/rcvs-council/council-elections/nominations-2014/ and VN council at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/vn-council/vn-council-elections/nominations-2014/