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RCVS and VN Council candidates announced
Candidates announced for RCVS and VN Council election.

The elections will be held this spring.

Voting opens on Monday, 13 March for positions on the RCVS Council and the VN Council.

There are three positions available for the RCVS Council. Each position is held for four years.


The RCVS Council candidates are:

    •    Professor David Barrett FRCVS
    •    Linda Belton MRCVS
    •    Dr Martin Chamberlain MRCVS
    •    Daniel Doherty MRCVS
    •    James Gartside MRCVS
    •    Steven Howard MRCVS
    •    Tim Hutchinson MRCVS
    •    Dr Alice McLeish MRCVS
    •    Professor Chris Proudman FRCVS
    •    Dr Peter Robinson MRCVS


There are two positions available on the VN Council. Each position is held for three years.


The VN Council candidates are:

    •    Sarah Jane Batt-Williams RVN
    •    Heather Jane Mathieson Kirkness RVN
    •    Katherine Ann Mortimer RVN
    •    Matthew Edwin Rendle RVN
    •    Simon Peter Williams RVN


Candidates’ biographies and election statements are available to read on the RCVS website.

The election results will be published in early May and successful candidates for both councils will commence their terms at the college’s Annual General Meeting on Friday, 7 July 2023.

In preparation for the vote, members are being invited to send questions to candidates by Friday, 24 February. To submit questions, veterinary surgeons should email vetvote23@rcvs.org.uk and veterinary nurses should email vnvote23@rcvs.org.uk

Questions must be received by Friday, 24 February and the RCVS will only accept one question per person. Any questions that are deemed offensive, defamatory and inaccurate will not be sent to candidates.

Each candidate will then produce written replies to two questions of their choice, which will be available to read on their candidate profile webpage ahead of the election.

Voting will take place online between Monday 13 March and 5pm on Friday 21 April. All eligible members will either receive an email or letter with voting instructions.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.