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Clinical intelligence head joins RCVS Council
David said in his manifesto that he would like to address significant staffing changes in practice.

David Leicester takes seat of Sarah Brown 

The RCVS has announced that David Leicester will take up the Council seat of Sarah Brown, who tragically passed away in October.

David is head of clinical intelligence at Vets Now and came in eighth place in this year’s RCVS Council elections. The place was first offered to Dr Tom Witte who came seventh place, but due to personal circumstances decided not to accept.

RCVS President Professor Stephen May, said: “The loss of such a young, talented and respected Council member as Sarah has been difficult to come to terms with and she is greatly missed by her fellow Council members and others amongst the profession.
 
“It is also important to recognise that the New Year will bring us fresh challenges and opportunities and we will face them best with a full complement of Council members. Therefore, I am delighted that David will be joining Council from January and is able to attend his first Council meeting, which will be held in committee, with us on Thursday 18 January.
 
“The circumstances under which David will be joining us have been extremely sad, but I am sure he will be an excellent addition to our team and I look forward to working with him.”

In his council manifesto, David said that he would like to address significant staffing changes in practice, which are becoming more complex as Britain prepares to leave the EU.

"As more new graduates choose to leave the profession early, or take extended career breaks, the RCVS and the general profession need to look at ways to increase our flexibility, to engage young vets and enable working parents to juggle home and work life," he said.

You can read more about David and what he hopes to bring to RCVS Council at http://mrcvs.co.uk/en//news-story.php?id=15536.

Image (C) RCVS Council.
 

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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.