RCVS Council Elections Underway
All votes must be received by 5pm on 30th April 2010.
There are ten candidates standing for election to the six seats available, half of whom are new faces and half either incumbent or former Council members. Those successful will take up their positions at RCVS Day on 2 July to serve four-year terms.
The candidates are:
- Roy Anderson
- David Catlow
- Philip Goddard
- Thomas Lonsdale
- Jacqui Molyneux
- Adi Nell
- Bob Partridge
- Christine Shield
- Neil Smith
- Clare Tapsfield-Wright
Their contact details, biographies and manifesto statements are set out in RCVS News Extra (March 2010).
"What the RCVS does impacts directly on veterinary surgeons," says Registrar Jane Hern. "Who gets to be on Council - and influence matters such as the disciplinary system, 24-hour cover, and the Practice Standards Scheme - that is up to the profession."
SMS (text) voting will be offered for the first time this year, replacing telephone voting, which was not popular. Votes may also be cast online or by post.
As in previous years, the election will be run independently through Electoral Reform Services - an experienced provider of election services in the UK and worldwide. The RCVS will make a donation of 20p to the DEC Haiti Earthquake Appeal on behalf of every vet that votes. Individuals who do not wish a donation to be made on their behalf can 'opt out' via email - please see details in the voting pack.
All votes must be received by 5pm on 30 April 2010.
Please not, only two nominations were received for the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council and there were two places up for contest, so there will be no VN Council election this year.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
