Getting to know Jon Ruben
Dr Jonathan Ruben has amassed forty years' worth of experience following his qualification from the Royal (Dick) Vet School in 1972. He has worked in large and small animal practice and completed a PhD in virology, studying NDV in chickens.
By the mid 1980s, he had set up his own small animal practice and, when sold ten years later, it number eight vets and four branches. He then changed direction and qualified as an Early Years Primary School teacher. These days, he works as a locum and as the children and youth worker at his church.
His political experience comprises a stint on the Nottinghamshire BVA and standing for the Conservative party in the local elections in Edinburgh. His thoughts on the current issues at the RCVS and his intentions should he be elected to Council 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?
As I know nothing about the inner workings of the RCVS, it is difficult for me to defend the current council against the damning report they themselves commissioned. I would accept all their recommendations:
- Capital Projects - clear guidelines from Council to Treasurer and clear 'milestones' for each stage of a project.
- IT - clear guidelines on the alteration of original costings by the Treasurer.
- The setting up of an internal audit committee and the proper selection of an independent external auditor.
- Formal minutes of reports by executive staff to committee - but keep them short please.
- Limits for authorisation of expenditure by members of staff or committee/council members.
- Co-option of non-elected members by required skills audit rather than old boys/girls network - no it didn't say that but I think it was implied!
2. The RCVS has been accused of being disconnected from its members. What do you think can be done to improve this?
Communication is key:
- A blog by senior council members would be useful and Facebook or LinkedIn pages where Councillors and members could 'talk'
- An online forum regularly attended by council members.
- But most importantly, frequent short emails with updates on each committee's work and links to more detailed information on web pages,with a reply address for members' comments.
3. How would you restore trust in the RCVS, if elected?
- This would be improved by the two measures above.
- I would personally dip into the web forums and, if technology permitted, personally send a monthly summary of my involvement in Council by email to all members providing an address.
4. How can the RCVS become more transparent in the future and what part would you play in this?
I think I have already answered this, above.
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?
- Given the appalling low pay of many veterinary nurses and until such time as a new Veterinary Surgeons Act allows for the setting up of a Royal College of Veterinary Nursing, the RCVS should fund/subsidise VNs registration fees from an increase in the registration fees of practice owners
- In the case of conglomerates, the College should - if at all legal - extract an extra fee from the owners of these companies.
6. In the current climate of de-regulation and reducing costs, what cuts would you advise in RCVS expenditure and activities?
- Sell the London offices with their high rates and costs and get small modern offices in Nottingham (or perhaps any other regional centre)
For Jon's full response, click here.
Jon's manifesto can be accessed here.
Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.
