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Posted: 12th July 2024

RCVS president focuses on trust in inaugural speech
“The landscape in which we work has changed and the regulatory environment needs to change too” – Linda Belton.
Linda Belton spoke at the RCVS annual general meeting.

In her first speech as RCVS president, Linda Belton has emphasised the importance of cultivating trust and the need to change the regulatory environment.

Speaking at the annual general meeting of the RCVS, held at the Royal Institute of British Architects on Friday, 5 July, Dr Belton described the RCVS’ combined role of Royal College and regulator as a challenge, but also an opportunity.

“Vets are not just one thing,” Dr Belton told the audience. “The roles we fill in our working lives are many and varied, and I would argue that the MRCVS is the best placed arbiter of animal health and welfare.

“As such, keeping the MRCVS at the heart of decision making around how veterinary care and services are provided is essential both to safeguard animal health and welfare and also to retain public trust in our work.”

She emphasised the importance of veterinary regulation and the need to continue to work towards a new Veterinary Surgeons Act following the general election.

“Working in a regulated environment is a strength for us,” she said. “The landscape in which we work has changed and the regulatory environment needs to change too.

“Now we are the other side of the general election, work can continue on legislative reform seeking parliamentary time for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act.”

The rapid pace of change in recent years, especially when it comes to technology, was also covered in the speech. She told the audience that change can be “bold and beneficial” where there is strong trust.

Dr Belton ended her speech by saying: “Cultivating that trust and mutual support between all stakeholders will help us to navigate the societal changes that are impacting us, and capitalise on opportunities to work differently in ways that enhance our work in all spheres and allows the professions to thrive.

“This is a two-way conversation requiring many perspectives, evaluation of many options, much information gathering and extensive consultation – please be part of it.”
 
An equine vet and the director of an independent practice in Wiltshire, Dr Belton qualified from Bristol Veterinary School in 1991.

She will lead the officer team comprising Sue Paterson as senior vice-president, Tim Parkin as junior vice-president, and Tshidi Gardiner as RCVS treasurer. VN Council chair Belinda Andrews-Jones will also attend officer team meetings an an observer.

Dr Belton’s full speech can be read here.

Image © RCVS

 




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