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RCVS Council Election 2019 results announced
Niall Connell (left), Jo Dyer (Bottom) and Linda Belton (top right) will be welcomed to Council at Royal College Day.

Record turnout saw more than 8,000 votes being cast

The results of the 2019 RCVS Council election have been announced.

Returning to the three available elected places are Niall Connell and Jo Dyer, with 3,766 votes and 3,146 votes respectively. They will be joined by Linda Belton, who received a total of 3,581 votes.

This year saw a record turnout with more than a quarter of the electorate voting. A sum of 8,234 votes were cast, 2,207 of which were by post and 6,027 of which were online.

The results of the election will be formally declared at this year’s Royal College Day – the College’s Annual General Meeting and awards ceremony - on Friday, 12 July.

Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer for the election said: “Congratulations to Niall and Jo for being re-elected to Council and congratulations also to Linda who we look forward to welcoming to Council at this year’s Royal College Day on Friday 12 July.

“I would also like to thank Kate, Tim and Peter for their contributions during their time on Council and give my commiserations to them and the other candidates who were unsuccessful this year.
 
She continued: “I was delighted to see that, this year, we had over a quarter of those eligible to vote doing so which means both a record number of votes and a record turnout –it seems this was assisted by our email reminders which, each time they were sent out, lead to a significant boost in uptake.
 
“However, we will not rest on our laurels and will continue to think about how we can further improve engagement in the election process and turnout for subsequent years.”

In order of the number of votes, the results are:
   
    •    Niall Connell – 3,766 votes (re-elected)
    •    Linda Belton – 3,581 votes (elected)
    •    Jo Dyer – 3,146 votes (re-elected)
    •    John Innes – 2,716 votes
    •    Kate Richards – 2,283 votes
    •    Tim Greet – 2,280 votes
    •    Peter Robinson – 1,791 votes
    •    John Davies – 507 votes
    •    Tom Lonsdale – 422 votes

There was no election to Veterinary Nursing Council this year owing to the fact there were only two candidates – Liz Cox and Jane Davidson – standing for the two elected places. Liz and Jane will also take up their three-year terms at Royal College Day.

Image (C) RCVS

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The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has opened applications for its 'Back in the Saddle' coaching programme.

The online scheme offers structured group coaching for members wanting to reflect on their career path and regain clarity. Members may be returning to work after leave, uncertain about next steps or reassessing direction.

Attendees will benefit from impartial guidance and practical tools to support their professional development. Members are encouraged to take a 'proactive, future-focused approach' to their careers.

The sessions, taking place on Wednesdays from 7.30pm-9pm, are open to BEVA members with more than five years' experience. The first session takes place on Wednesday, 3 June 2026.

Applications will close on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.