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RCVS Council elects new junior vice-president
Dr Niall Connell has been elected junior vice-president for 2018-19.

Dr Niall Connell will take up his new role in July 

RCVS Council members have elected Dr Niall Connell as junior vice-president for 2018-19 and confirmed Amanda Boag as president for the same year.

Niall was elected at a meeting of the RCVS Council on Thursday (8 March) where a number of other appointments were also confirmed. These include Amanda as president, professor Stephen May as senior vice-president, Dr Kit Sturgess as treasurer, Professor Susan Dawson as chair of education committee and Dr Kate Richards as chair of standards committee.

After qualifying from the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982, Niall began his career working in mixed practice in Fife. In 1984 he joined Glasgow East PDSA PetHospital as a senior veterinary surgeon where he remained for 15 years.

Whilst at the PDSA, Niall became an honorary lecturer and examiner at Glasgow vet school. He retired from clinical practice in 2009 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and now works as a clinical & professional skills Instructor at Glasgow vet school.

In asking for votes from RCVS Council members, Niall said: “I am passionate about highlighting RCVS’ work, achievements and ethos in person and on several social media platforms to maximise engagement with our professions and with undergraduates. I have an excellent relationship with RCVS staff which is very important. I relish the prospect of working with my fellow Council members, College staff and our professional colleagues in the field for the best outcomes.
 
“The College is immersed in many important projects such as Vet/VN Futures, Mind Matters, graduate outcomes, career pathways and One Health, as well as Brexit, global positioning and the Veterinary Surgeons Act. I would devote all my time and energy to being RCVS Vice-President/President.”

Niall, Amanda and the other team members will take up their new roles at RCVS Day in July.

Image (C) RCVS

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.