RCVS and VN Council candidate nominations now open
The elections will take place in March and April 2022.
The candidate nomination period has now opened for election to RCVS and VN Councils for 2022, and will close on Monday 31 January at 5pm.
Both elections will be held entirely online, following the success of the previous year's online format, with both nominations and votes to be submitted electronically.
RCVS registrar and returning officer for the elections, Eleanor Ferguson, commented on the continuation of the online format: “Last year demonstrated that we are able to successfully hold our elections online, making the process more efficient and convenient for our members.
“Once again, for prospective RCVS and VN Councils election candidates, this will mean that, rather than having to send us hard copies of your nomination documents in the post, the forms can simply be emailed to the College along with the relevant digital photographs and electronic signatures.”
Full eligibility criteria for RCVS Council, alongside further information, guidance notes and frequently asked questions can be read here, and all equivalent similar details for VN Council can be read here.
Prospective RCVS and VN Council members can contact Dr Kate Richards on president@rcvs.org.uk for an informal discussion on what it means to be an RVCS Council member, or Matthew Rendle, VN Council chair, on vncchair@rcvs.org.uk for a discussion on VN Council membership.
Kate said of the RCVS Council: “I’m on Council for my second term and can reassure any prospective candidates that it is a wonderful experience, both personally and professionally.
“You will learn new things not only about the College, but also the professions, policy and government; you will have fascinating discussions and debates with colleagues on issues of great importance and consequence.”
“I would be happy to talk to anyone who might be interested in joining VN Council about its role and how you could contribute both to it, and to the wider profession,” Matthew added.
“This 60th anniversary year for the veterinary nursing profession has been a time to take stock about how far the profession has come and where it is going.
“One thing I have appreciated is the important role both VN Council and its committees will continue to have in this development process, by making key decisions on areas such as student training and wellbeing, continuing professional development, post-registration qualifications and statuses, and registration of veterinary nurses.”
There will be one RCVS Council meeting prior to the nomination period deadline, on Thursday 20 January 2022, and any candidates interested in attending virtually as observers should contact Dawn Wiggins on d.wiggins@rcvs.org.uk
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
