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RCVS announces two new appointments
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The RCVS has announced the appointment of a new director of HR and a new head of professional conduct.

Roles set to reduce time it takes to process concerns

The RCVS has announced the appointment of a new director of HR and a new head of professional conduct.

Velia Soames, who began work on Monday (13 February), has been named as the College’s new head of professional conduct.

Velia previously worked for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants as its director of professional standards & conduct. Ms Soames also worked at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and from 2008 to 2013 she was the head of regulation at the General Osteopathic Council.

Kim Cleland starts as the College’s new director of HR on Monday 3 April. Ms Cleland joins the RCVS from Diageo where she worked as acting head of HR global and Europe functions. Before that, she worked as leadership and development specialist and senior HR Business partner. She is particularly competent at delivering strategic direction and operational support.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Velia and Kim to the College,” commented Nick Stace, RCVS CEO. “These are two critical positions that will help us meet our ambitions to reduce the time it takes to process concerns and provide us with senior level strategic support in developing our people and a learning culture across the College and the profession.

“Being a recognised great place to work is something we take great pride in which provides us with the motivation to go further and achieve more.”

Image (C) RCVS

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.