Kathy Kissick
Many changes have already been promptly considered regarding governance and structure by the RCVS Council, and key recommendations are being established. An Audit and Risk Committee has been established, and informal meeting notes from the Management Team and a project management protocol have been developed. The structure and function of College committees will be addressed during the year along with further improved structures and protocols to ensure that governance is managed. This will, in addition, ensure that the College embraces change for the benefit of animal welfare and the public.
2. The RCVS has been accused of being disconnected from its members. What do you think can be done to improve this?
The Veterinary Nurses elected onto VN Council are all members of the same profession and need to work together to demonstrate that the profession is capable of accepting regulation as part of its move towards statutory recognition. Council strives, at all times, to improve the way in which it communciates with the profession by embracing modern technology, social media and alternative communication activities. The response from VNs to consultations and the elections is always rather poor and I would be keen to encourage VNs, who have innovative ideas regarding how to improve communications, to let me know and also to vote at the elections so that they can be part of the advancement and changes in veterinary nursing.
3. How would you restore trust in the RCVS, if elected?
I would be open, honest and transparent, and encourage all VNs to attend the RCVS stand, RCVS day, VN ceremonies and RCVS roadshows so that they can meet the Council members, take a real interest in their profession and regulatory body and communicate with them over common, regional, national and International issues.
4. How can the RCVS become more transparent in the future and what part would you play in this?
Communication is vital for any Council or awarding body but this is a two-way process and VN Council meetings are open to the public, who can attend as observers. The VNs need, as professionals, to take an interest in the positive impact and changes that are embraced by VN Council for the benefit of animal welfare and the public. VN Council need to be proactive in their communications to the profession and the public to maintain their transparency and also to raise public awareness regarding the role of the highly trained qualified Veterinary Nurse.
5. After closing its VN awarding body the RCVS introduced a significant "regulatory fee" for student nurses, which has been viewed by some as grossly unfair. What is your opinion?
It is important that the fees the students pay to enrol with the College, as the professional regulator for qualifications leading to the VN Register, and those fees paid to the awarding body to register for a qualificatrion are kept seperate. The regulatory fee is not a new fee but a splitting of the old fee into two parts and the total amount has increased only by inflation. It must also be remembered that the awarding body has not yet closed but is working through the Surrender of Recognition process to ensure a smooth transition.
The regulatory enrolment fee covers quality assurance of institutions to ensure that all qualifications adequately prepare students for registration and professional practice as this professionally-specific quality assurance is not carried out by the national regulatory bodies. It also covers enrolment of the individual as as bona fide student which is in the public interest and the interests of animal welfare. It must always be remembered that Schedule 3 to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 allows veterinary surgeons to delegate medical treatment and minor surgery (not involving entry into the body cavity) to enrolled students, under direct supervision.
6. In the current climate of de-regulation and reducing costs, what cuts would you advise in RCVS expenditure and activities?
VN Council is always mindful that costs should be monitored and reduced where possible and with regard to this they have appointed me, as Vice Chair on VN Council, as finance officer. This role has enabled me to communicate directly with RCVS Council which has in turn facilitated effective and timely communications leading to the freezing of the VS and VN fees this year and the raising of awareness amongst all the Council members regarding limiting costs wherever possible. As finance officer the VN Council Vice Chair is able to implement checks and balances on the expenditure and activities and should be viewed in a positive light as it enables VNs to have more control over their own budgets.
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MRCVS.co.uk would like to thank Kathy for providing this information and we wish her every success in the election.
RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.
