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RCVS and VN Council elections winners revealed
The successful candidates will formally take up their seats at the RCVS AGM in July. 
Successful candidates will formally take up their seats in July.

The successful candidates of the RCVS Council and VN Council elections have been revealed.

This year’s RCVS Council election saw 14 candidates standing for the four available places. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, a total of 8,542 veterinary surgeons submitted their vote online, amounting to 24.5 per cent of eligible voters. 

The elected RCVS Council members who will serve a four-year term are:

  • Dr Danny Chambers MRCVS – 4,759 votes 
  • Dr Tshidi Gardiner MRCVS – 3,228 votes 
  • Dr Colin Whiting MRCVS – 2,957 votes 
  • Dr Louise Allum MRCVS – 2,368 votes 

Fourteen candidates also stood for this year’s VN Council election for the one available place. Susan Howorth RVN was the only candidate who came forward ahead of the original nomination deadline (31 January) and was therefore automatically re-elected to VN Council.

A total of 2,341 veterinary nurses submitted their vote, amounting to 12.4 per cent of those eligible to do so.

The successful VN Council candidate, who will serve a three-year term, is:

  • Donna Leigh Lewis RVN – 404 votes 

All those elected to RCVS and VN Councils will formally take up their seats at the RCVS Annual General Meeting on Friday 9 July 2021. 

Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS registrar and returning officer for both elections, commented: “Thank you to all those who stood as candidates and all those who voted in this year’s elections, especially in view of all the extra demands on everyone’s time at the moment. Many congratulations to our five successful candidates with whom we look forward to working over the coming months and years. 

“Even though the elections were held during the ongoing pandemic, the RCVS Council election still produced the third-highest turnout on record, and turnout in both elections was above the average for those held over the last ten years.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.