Professor David Argyle has announced a personal decision to stand down from RCVS Council.

Professor announces personal decision to resign and relinquish position as JVP.

Professor David Argyle has announced that he is to stand down from RCVS Council with immediate effect following a decision by the RCVS to close an investigation involving allegations of bullying.

The RCVS Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) had decided to shut the case involving Professor Argyle. However, Prof Argyle has since announced a personal decision to resign from RCVS Council and relinquish his position as junior vice president (JVP).

The PIC's decision to take no further action marks the conclusion of an investigation into allegations of bullying at his workplace, the University of Edinburgh. 

Professor Argyle, who had stepped aside from his JVP and Council duties until the concern was investigated and concluded, said: “Despite this outcome from the PIC discussions, I have now made the challenging decision to stand down from my position at the RCVS. This is to ensure there is no further distraction to the College’s important work and activities and that whoever becomes the next JVP has the full support of Council and RCVS members.

“It is also to reduce the toll this situation has taken on my family, colleagues and students, and on me personally. I am proud and privileged to have served on RCVS Council for nearly ten years and wish it well as it navigates the next chapter in its history.”

RCVS President Mandisa Greene said: “I appreciate that this has been an exceptionally difficult situation and very upsetting for all involved. I understand why David has taken the difficult decision to stand down from RCVS Council and would like to thank him for his many years of service to the RCVS since joining Council in 2012.

“I would also like to reassure colleagues once again that, throughout, the College has remained firmly committed to following due, proper and fair process in all its regulatory activities.”

As Professor Argyle was a Veterinary Schools Council appointee on RCVS Council, it will be for that body to elect a replacement Council member. RCVS will commence the process for electing a new JVP for the current presidential year.