"Connections within the professions have always been findamental to my career." - RCVS president Kate Richards.

The new officer team and council members were welcomed on Friday 9 July. 

On Friday 9 July, the RCVS Council voted to approve the new officer team for 2021 to 22, at the AGM and Council meeting, held almost entirely virtually for the second year running.

The new officer team voted in consists of Kate Richards as RCVS president, outgoing president Mandisa Greene as senior vice-president, Melissa Donald as junior vice-president, and Niall Connell as treasurer.

Outgoing president Mandisa Greene gave an address, and said that her guiding ethos for the year was a quote, given to her on a plaque as a child, which reads, 'Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out'. 

Mandisa then said that she had been inspired by all the veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons who continued to work during the pandemic, putting aside their own fears to continue their necessary and important work for animal welfare and health.

She also acknowledged the work that she had been able to do in diversity and inclusion, and told those attending that the highlight of her year had been giving talks to students of all ages across the UK, helping to encourage those for whom access to veterinary education is hindered by barriers. Mandisa stated that “lack of diversity isn't inevitable,” and pledged to continue working on this issue along with others.

Following Mandisa's speech, the formal investiture of Kate Richards as president began, and Mandisa then highlighted Kate's previous service on the RCVS Council, including her work as chair of the Standards Committee where she presided over the establishment of the significant Ethics Review Panel, and the beginning of the under care review process.

Mandisa also took a moment to highlight the diversity of opportunities reflected in Kate's career so far, as Kate has been a practising farm vet, had worked in the pharmaceutical industry, and worked as a senior civil servant. 

Upon her formal investment as RCVS president just moments later, Kate used her first act as president to pay tribute to Mandisa Greene as the outgoing president, and here she acknowledged the historic nature of Mandisa's presidency, as the first black woman to hold the position, and also her work through a difficult time period as COVID-19 impacted Mandisa's presidency. 

Kate commended Mandisa's integrity, fairness, and attention to detail, before welcoming the rest of the officer team. Her inaugural address then focussed on the importance of connections within the veterinary industry, citing her previous loneliness at times during her career, and explained why this means she is so passionate about mental health initiatives and building connections to create support networks. 

The RCVS AGM and Council meeting also saw the farewells and welcoming of various Council members, including Danny Chambers, Tdishi Gardiner, Colin Whiting, and Louise Allum for four year terms. VSC-appointed Council members were Professor Tim Parkin from Bristol, and Professor Chris Proudman from Surrey. 

Also confirmed was the re-election of Mark Castle, Linda Ford, and Judith Worthington, as appointed RCVS Council members, for a further four years.

Re-elected VN Council member Susan Howarth and newly-elected Donna Lewis were also welcomed, both for three-year terms. 

Those retiring from the Council were Professor Sue Dawson, Dave Leicester, Dr Caroline Allen, Martin Peaty, Dr Cheryl Scudamore, and Dr Chris Tufnell, with Andrea Jeffrey also retiring from the VN Council. 

At the event, VN Council chair Matthew Rendle also gave an address, honouring the diamond jubilee year of the veterinary nursing profession. Here, Matthew talked about the progression of the profession, the new firsts for VNs in 2021, including the introduction of Advanced Veterinary Nursing status, and acknowledged the promising future of the veterinary nursing profession. 

Image (C) RCVS