Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th March 2026
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Voting opens for 2026 RCVS Council elections
Vets can vote for up to three candidates for RCVS Council.
Members can vote until Friday, 24 April 2026.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened voting for its 2026 Council elections.

Veterinary surgeons now have until 5pm on Friday, 24 April 2026 to vote for up to three of the candidates to stand a four-year term.

This year there are 15 candidates standing for election. Each candidate has shared a full biography and statement that can be read on the RCVS website.

They were also given the opportunity to answer a question of their choice, chosen from a selection submitted by members of the profession.

The candidates standing for election are:
•    Dr Sharon Alston MRCVS
•    Mr Ian Battersby FRCVS
•    Dr Laura Davies MRCVS
•    Mrs Ioana Dobre MRCVS
•    Mrs Hannah Eastwood MRCVS
•    Dr Villam Hoferica MRCVS
•    Dr Benjamin Kennedy MRCVS
•    Dr Tom Lonsdale MRCVS
•    Dr Rachael McKinney MRCVS
•    Miss Alison Price MRCVS
•    Dr Peter Robinson MRCVS
•    Dr Neil Smith FRCVS
•    Dr David Tweedle MRCVS
•    Dr Samantha Webster MRCVS
•    Dr Lara Wilson MRCVS

The three candidates who receive the most votes will begin their four-year terms on RCVS Council at RCVS’ Annual General Meeting on Friday, 3 July 2026.

Voting emails have already been sent by Civica Election Services (CES), which runs the elections on behalf of RCVS, on Wednesday, 11 March. The email contains a secure link to the voting website, with a pre-filled code that is unique to each individual veterinary surgeon.

As well as an initial email, CES will send regular reminder emails to veterinary surgeons who have not yet voted. Members who have not received a voting email should contain CES directly on support@cesvotes.com and state which election they believe they are eligible to vote in.

As part of the amended RCVS Election Scheme, the RCVS Council election is being conducted entirely online. Where RCVS does not hold a unique email address it has instead sent voting instructions by post.

Image © Shutterstock.com/RCVS

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

New roadshow brings free flea and tick checks to dog owners

News Story 1
 A nationwide roadshow offering free, personalised parasite risk assessments and flea and tick checks will be visiting popular dog events across the UK.

The All About Dogs shows in Norfolk and Knebworth, will be among the first events to host MSD Animal Health's Big Parasite Check campaign, which aims to address common misconceptions and highlight the importance of year-round parasite protection.

A total of six dog-friendly events will feature the free clinics from summer through to winter. Full roadshow dates and locations are available on The Big Parasite Check map or through your local MSD Animal Health Representative.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'