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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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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.