Voting is underway for the 2019 RCVS Council elections.
This year there are nine candidates standing for election, of which five are existing council members eligible for re-election and four candidates not currently on council. They are:
- Dr Linda Belton MRCVS
- Dr Niall Connell MRCVS
- Mr John C Davies MRCVS
- Dr Joanna (Jo) Dyer MRCVS
- Professor Timothy (Tim) Greet FRCVS
- Professor John Innes FRCVS
- Dr Thomas (Tom) Lonsdale MRCVS
- Dr Katherine (Kate) Richards MRCVS
- Mr Peter Robinson MRCVS.
This year there will be three elected places available for the candidates, as opposed to six in previous years. The move follows a Legislative Reform Order passed last year which changed the size and composition of Council.
Ballot papers and candidates’ details for the election have been posted and emailed to all veterinary surgeons eligible to vote. All votes must be cast by 5 pm on Friday, 26 April 2019.
“Last year we saw another very strong turnout for the RCVS Council election with over a fifth of the profession casting votes. The turnout was again helped by regular email reminders and the fact the voting website can be easily accessed by just clicking on a link,” explained Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS registrar and returning officer for the election.
“I would like to remind the profession that, following last year’s changes to our governance structure after a Legislative Reform Order was passed through Parliament, you can now only choose up to three candidates. I do hope members of the profession take this opportunity to influence the governance and policies of the RCVS.”
This year each candidate was invited to produce a ‘Quiz the Candidates’ video in which they answered up to two questions submitted by members of the profession. The videos are available to view on the RCVS website and YouTube channel. Key themes this year included mental health, recruitment and retention. telemedicine and regulation of paraprofessionals.
Statements and biographies for each candidate can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote19. Those who are eligible to vote but have not received either an email or ballot paper should contact Luke Bishop, RCVS senior communications officer, on l.bishop@rcvs.org.uk.
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.
