Getting to know Bertie Ellis
Dr Robert 'Bertie' Ellis qualified over forty years ago and ran a Large Animal practice until 1999. Now a farmer, he also works for DEFRA for TB clearance and as a saleyard vet for Brightwell's Horse Auctioneers.
For more than half his career, Bertie has been involved in veterinary politics and has sat on RCVS Council intermittently since 1987. He has served on the majority of committees and was Treasurer in 1999, most recently sitting on the Advisory and Planning and Resources Committees.
Bertie has clear ideas of the College and, in particular, the areas he considers need changing. One of the councillors who helped bring the recent overspends to light, his answers are outlined below:
1. The McKelvey report identified serious deficiencies at the RCVS that are not satisfactory for a professional body. What would you change?
- There has to be better scrutiny of large financial projects, including their necessity, and the monetary control.
- There has to be better discussion of general strategy.
2. The RCVS has been accused of being disconnected from its members. What do you think can be done to improve this?
- The RCVS is the controlling body for the profession, and there is a sense that it cannot be made too cuddly.
- However, better communication in what it expects its members to do is necessary.
3. How would you restore trust in the RCVS, if elected, and how can the RCVS become more transparent in the future and what part would you play in this?
- See above. There is not a single answer, but there needs to be an accumulation of explanation. The strategy needs to be supported by realistic tactical and measurable objectives.
4. 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?
- This demonstrates the lack of clear strategy. There is an argument that the VN profession should be separate from the RCVS and it is not clear what the future aim or desire of both parties is.
- I would like to see a strategic debate on where we think the future of both professions lie.
5. In the current climate of de-regulation and reducing costs, what cuts would you advise in RCVS expenditure and activities?
- There are areas of activity, such as PSS, which need to be looked at.
- I would look at the location of the RCVS in London, there may be an argument to move this to another area of the UK, which could reduce costs.
- I would like to see a better explanation of the future after LRO when there will be a large rump of councillors with little to do.
- The core function of the RCVS is registration, education, and discipline - all other activities should be scrutinised for value for money or necessity.
For Bertie's full set of answers, click here.
Bertie's manifesto can be read 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.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
