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RCVS rolls out Question Time programme
"Rest assured – if you want to be heard, we will find a way to listen” - Dr Melissa Donald, RCVS president.
A series of virtual and in-person events will give vets and nurses the opportunity to raise issues with the College. 

Veterinary professionals will be given the opportunity to question the RCVS about its current and upcoming projects in a new series of virtual and in-person Question Time events. 

Through the initiative, members of the professions will be able to learn about the various College initiatives and put questions to the RCVS officer team, council members and senior staff in a friendly, informal atmosphere. 

The first event takes place in Glasgow on Wednesday, 7 September, and will be attended by RCVS president Melissa Donald, RCVS treasurer Niall Connell, RCVS senior vice-president Kate Richards, junior vice-president Sue Paterson, VN Council chair Matthew Rendle, RCVS registrar Eleanor Ferguson and RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett.

Starting with drinks and supper at 6.30, the programme will begin at 7.30 with an update on RCVS activities and move on to questions and answers with RCVS representatives.  While the audience will ultimately decide upon the topics, the questions are anticipated to include workforce issues, the review of RCVS guidance on under care, proposals for legislative reform, VetGDP and the future of extra-mural studies. 

Dr Donald said: “In my opening speech as RCVS President, I said that one of the key missions of my presidential year was to talk – and especially listen – to as many members of the professions as I possibly can. 

“Relaunching our Question Time programme after a hiatus will give me the opportunity to do exactly this, as well as giving members of the professions that all-important opportunity to put their questions and concerns directly to us. We might not be able to address every problem, but these events give an excellent opportunity for vets and nurses to raise issues, forge connections with their peers and work together to find solutions. 

“I hope that many of you will be able to come to our first in-person event in Glasgow but we will also be holding these question times virtually in the future for those people who may struggle to make it to these evening events. Rest assured – if you want to be heard, we will find a way to listen.” 

The first virtual question time will take place in November 2022, while the next live event is scheduled to take place in Nottingham in January 2023. Further information about the events will be posted on rcvs.org.uk/events in due course.

To register for the Glasgow event visit: tinyurl.com/22pem3d6

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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. 

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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.