Peter Jinman challenges RCVS chief on spending
Mr Stace said protocols had been followed as the funding is an in-year commitment.
Speaking at yesterday's RCVS Council meeting, Peter Jinman challenged CEO Nick Stace on the college's decision to announce £1 million spending on addressing mental health issues in the profession, without consulting the council.
Last month, it was revealed that over a five-year period the college will allocate £500,000 to the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme, which is a confidential service aiming to help tackle problems including drug and alcohol addictions, eating disorders and other addictive or mental health issues.
Meanwhile, the RCVS operational board has agreed funding of around £100,000 a year, over a total of five years, as part of the Mind Matters initiative, which launched late last year.
Council member Mr Jinman welcomed the commitment to tackling mental health issues, which are a major concern for the veterinary profession.
However, he questioned that such a substantial amount of funding could be agreed and announced to the press without council approval, asking the question: "At what point should discussions on expenditure come to council?"
Responding to the comments, Mr Stace said protocols had been followed as the funding is an in-year commitment rather than a single sum and each year's funding levels will go to council.
Mr Jinman however pointed out that the council cannot go back on the funding commitment now that it has been publicly announced.
He suggested a standing order system, where spending below a certain amount could be approved by the operational board, whereas spending above this level would be approved by the council.
In addition, Mr Jinman stressed that the college must ensure it serves the profession well and does not become part of the problem with regard to mental health.
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
