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Getting to know Dr Barry Johnson
A Past President of the RCVS standing in this year's Council elections

A graduate of Liverpool University, Dr Barry Johnson BVSc DVSc (h.c.) MRCVS may be familiar to the veterinary profession due to his extensive involvement in the profession's politics. Dr Johnson has served on every committee of the RCVS and was elected President in 1993. Since retiring from active practice, he has also served in various animal welfare organisations in non-executive positions and is currently the Chairman of World Horse Welfare.

When asked by MRCVS.co.uk about prominent issues currently affecting the RCVS and his future intentions should he be elected to the Council, Dr Johnson kindly gave the following answers:

1. The McKelvey report identified serious deficiencies at the RCVS that are not satisfactory for a professional body. What would you change?

The new Audit and Risk Committee will help. The role of officers is being refined. Not everybody is still in post.

2. The RCVS has been accused of being disconnected from its members. What do you think can be done to improve this?

Nothing. Those who do not read, listen, attend or participate will always claim to be disconnected. Having said that, the communications team work very hard and members of Council need to support them more.

3. How would you restore trust in the RCVS, if elected?

Continuing insisting on truth and transparency. Smoke screens and mirrors must go.

4. How can the RCVS become more transparent in the future and what part would you play in this?

Papers should be free of confidentiality notices unless essential.

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.

Disagree.

6. In the current climate of de-regulation and reducing costs, what cuts would you advise in RCVS expenditure and activities?

The new CEO in discussion with senior managers and the Council will be looking at the structure and governance of the RCVS.

Dr Johnson's manifesto can be found here.

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Please note: We have a number of other candidate interviews to be published shortly, so you may wish to read these before voting.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.