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RCVS and VN Councils elections get underway
This year's RCVS and VN Council elections will be held online.
Eligible voters will receive email links to the secure election websites.

Voting is now underway for the 2021 RCVS Council and VN Council elections, the Royal College has announced, with all eligible voters receiving emails containing links to their unique voting websites.

This year 14 candidates are standing in the RCVS Council election, competing for the four available places. They include one current RCVS Council member eligible for re-election and 13 candidates not currently on council. They are:

Dr Louise Allum MRCVS 
Dr Danny Chambers MRCVS (incumbent)
John Davies MRCVS 
Dr Matshidiso (Tshidi) Gardiner MRCVS 
Dr Grant Hampson MRCVS 
Elizabeth Law-Bartle MRCVS 
Dr Philip Lhermette FRCVS 
Peter Robinson MRCVS 
Dr Ian Sayers MRCVS 
Dr Huw Stacey MRCVS 
Dr Kit Sturgess FRCVS 
Dr Samantha Webster MRCVS 
Dr Colin Whiting MRCVS 
Will Wilkinson MRCVS 
 
Fourteen candidates are standing for the RCVS VN Council election for the one elected place. None are currently members of the VN Council. They are: 

Samantha Jayne Anderson 
Kirsten Cavill 
Rebecca Jane Clark 
Sophie Louise Connolly 
Olivia Jade Dunlop 
Thomas Griffiths 
Daniel James Hogan 
Steven David Patrick Johnson 
Carly Kilby 
Donna Leigh Lewis 
Lee Thomas Vaughan 
Francesca Ware 
Diana Elizabeth Joyce Wilson 
Tania Yelland. 

The RCVS extended its nomination period for the VN Council election after receiving just one nomination from Susan Howorth RVN by the initial deadline. Ms Howorth has automatically been re-elected to VN Council for another three-year term.
 
Civica Election Services, which runs the election on behalf of the College, sent emails containing links to the secure election voting websites on 17 March. Eligible voters for whom the RCVS does not hold email addresses have been sent letters. 

Voting will remain open until 5 pm on Friday, 23 April 2021. More information about the election, including biographies and statements for each of the candidates, is available at rcvs.org.uk/vetvote21 and rcvs.org.uk/vnvote21 

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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.