Getting to know Catherine Goldie
Catherine Goldie has been qualified for 20 years and was a long-serving member of Glasgow PDSA. Now self-employed, working mainly for out of hours providers, she has served on RCVS Council for four years.
Also serving on the RCVS Disciplinary Committee, her areas of special interest include employment law and, in particular, the importance of transparent and fair process.
MRCVS.co.uk asked Catherine about the current issues at the RCVS and what she hopes to achieve should she be elected. Her 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?
- The Audit and Risk Committee has been ratified, which should avoid a repetition of any overspend and gives a point of accountability.
- The appointment of the new CEO and separation of Registrar will allow a radical restructuring of the committees - this has been robustly debated and an outline has been drawn up, but iit will need the input of the new CEO before it can be finalised.
- There is already much more transparency with regard to the Council members accessing accounting figures and these are regularly challenged and clarified at Council meetings.
2. The RCVS has been accused of being disconnected from its members. What do you think can be done to improve this?
- We now have Facebook and Twitter as well as news letters.
- Personally, I try and explain to every vet I meet what Council does and also demonstrate that there are normal everyday vets like myself on Council who need their vote.
3. How would you restore trust in the RCVS, if elected?
- Collectively, we have all accepted responsibility for the failures and there is a collective will to ensure this does not happen again.
- I believe that what is being proposed now will be fit for purpose, but I understand it may take some time to prove to the membership that this is so.
4. How can the RCVS become more transparent in the future and what part would you play in this?
- Council members have already requested that no documents are marked as confidential unless there is specific advise from our Legal team that it is necessary or its to do with nominations etc.
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?
- This matter has been raised at Council and does require looking at.
- The figures have been requested regarding the VN department.
- If the regulatory fee can be reduced it will be supported by myself and many of my colleagues.
6. In the current climate of de-regulation and reducing costs, what cuts would you advise in RCVS expenditure and activities?
- One of the reasons that new stream line committees are being discussed is it will reduce costs.
- I think there will be a move to produce all documents electronically, which will significantly reduce costs.
For Catherine's full response, click here.
Catherine's manifesto can be accessed here.
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.
