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The elections themselves will be taking place in March and April 2023.

Prospective candidates have until 31 January 2023.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened the nomination period for the 2023 RCVS and VN Councils elections.

Members of the professions who would like to put themselves forward for election have until 5pm on Tuesday 31 January 2023 to submit their nomination.

Responsible for approving major policy decisions regarding the regulation and advancement of the professions, the RCVS Council has members sitting on a number of committees and sub-committees regarding standards, education, registration, finance and the advancement of the professions.

Current president of the RCVS, and elected member of RCVS Council since 2016, Dr Melissa Donald, said: “I am a general practitioner by background, and so having the opportunity to serve on Council and be at the heart of decision-making that has a real and consequential impact on how we as vets work and conduct ourselves, has been a real privilege.

“In my six years on Council I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in fascinating debates and discussions, to represent the RCVS and its activities at country fairs and congresses, and to talk to and get the views of peers and colleagues from across the UK.

“Serving your profession in the RCVS is a fantastic opportunity and I would recommend anyone who wants to have a real say and impact on the future of the profession to stand for next year’s Council elections.”

Similarly, VN Council is responsible for matters concerning veterinary nursing, including veterinary nurse training, post-qualification awards, the registration of qualified nurses, and the RCVS and BVNA joint VN Futures project.

Matthew Rendle, Chair of VN council, and elected member since 2016, explained the Council's role in the professions: “As the stature of veterinary nurses has grown over the years, so too has VN Council and the VN Education Committee, with members taking decisions on the accreditation of veterinary nursing education providers, new qualifications, matters relating to the registration of veterinary nurses, as well as having strategic oversight of the VN Futures project and its mission to ensure that veterinary nursing is a vibrant, rewarding and sustainable profession.

“As a member of VN Council you will have a great opportunity to travel around the UK meeting your fellow nurses and getting fresh perspectives on what it means to be a VN, with a particular highlight being welcoming new veterinary nurses to the profession through our many registration and graduation ceremonies.”

Prospective candidates for both Councils can contact Melissa Donald and Matthew Rendle, on president@rcvs.org.uk and vncchair@rcvs.org.uk respectively for an informal conversation on what it means to sit for Council.

The full criteria for veterinary surgeons wishing to stand for election can be accessed at rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil23 – with information on the role of Council, Council members, guidance notes and FAQs available.

Corresponding information on VN Council can be found at rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil23.

Prospective candidates for both Councils are invited to attend the RCVS Council meeting on Thursday 19 January 2023 as an observer, to find out more about what the role entails. Any interested parties can contact RCVS Council secretary Dawn Wiggins on d.wiggins@rcvs.org.uk to attend.

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