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Two members elected to RCVS Fellowship Board
Niall Connell, who has been interim chair of the board, has now been elected to the role.
The winning candidates will formally start their roles in November.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced the results of its recent election for two positions on its Fellowship Board.

RCVS fellows have elected Niall Connell to the role of chair of the Fellowship Board and re-elected Nicky Paull as chair of the Credentials Panel for the Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice pathway.

Since the resignation of the previous chair, Dr Connell has been the acting interim chair after stepping up from his role as vice-chair. The other candidates standing for the role were Christianne Glossop and Paul Higgs.

Dr Connell said: “I know I have very big shoes to fill, thanks to the great efforts that have gone on before and I will put all my available energy into continuing to work with our fellows and the college to progress the goals of RCVS Fellowship as a resource of independent knowledge for our professions, to upskill and always innovate, while looking to enrich public awareness and discussion.”

Dr Paull will continue to serve as the chair of the Credentials Panel for the Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice Pathway after being re-elected. No other candidates stood for the position.

Dr Paull said: “I look forward to the challenge of continuing to grow the diversity of the fellowship and celebrate those who, by their contribution to the advancement of the profession by clinical or educational scholarship and leadership, have had a significant impact on clinical practice within the veterinary profession.”

Both Dr Connell and Dr Paull will be formally instated into their roles during the next Fellowship Day on 28 November 2024. They will each serve a three-year term.

The Fellowship Board sets the criteria for becoming a fellow of the RCVS and approves the process by which applications to become a fellow are received, processed and assessed. There are three pathways to fellowship: Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge, Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

An election for the position of vice-chair of the Fellowship Board will be held in the autumn.

Image © RCVS

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.