Matthew was selected by his peers at a meeting of VN Council.

Matthew Rendle and Belinda Andrews-Jones will take up their places at this year’s RCVS Annual General Meeting.

The RCVS has announced that Matthew Rendle RVN will be the next chair of VN Council, becoming the first male veterinary nurse to hold the position.

Matthew was selected by his peers at a meeting of VN Council on Wednesday (17 June) and will be responsible for decisions relating to the regulation, education and registration of veterinary nurses. He will be joined by Belinda Andrews-Jones RVN who was elected as vice-chair of VN Council.

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew said: “I am very proud to be the first male veterinary nurse to hold the position of Chair of RCVS VN Council. In this position, I will continue to work hard to support and progress the profession of the veterinary nurse.

“It is fundamental we give the general public, as well as our fellow veterinary professionals, a greater understanding of the excellent work we do. We have a positive impact on animal health and welfare, whatever the clinical environment or species. The lack of understanding of what veterinary nurses do is often cited as a chronic issue within my profession and it is something I plan to prioritise during my tenure as Chair of VN Council.”

Belinda added: “I am delighted to have been elected as vice-chair of VN Council by my fellow Council members. It is a huge honour and privilege to be contributing to the RCVS and the profession, in protecting and upholding the high standards of the UK veterinary nurse profession, while progressing the profession forward.

“I feel I can make a positive contribution to the already fantastic work that the college has achieved. I am passionate about progressing the profession forward and expanding the role of UK veterinary nurses.”

A veterinary nurse since 1989, Matthew's career has focussed on caring for exotic animals, particularly in the zoo setting. He delivers lectures at the Royal Veterinary College on topics such as herpetological husbandry and some areas of zoo and wildlife diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia. He also lectures extensively on herpetology throughout Europe and America.

As chair of VN Council, Matthew will also welcome new veterinary nurses to the Register and take them through their professional oaths, represent the RCVS and the veterinary nursing profession at various events and act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the profession.

Matthew and Belinda will take up their appointments as chair and vice-chair respectively at this year’s RCVS Annual General Meeting which takes place on Friday, 10 July 2020.