New vice-chair of RCVS Fellowship Board elected
Professor James Wood works at the University of Cambridge.
James Wood has been elected as the new vice-chair of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Fellowship Board.
A veterinary epidemiologist who leads the Disease Dynamics Unit at the University of Cambridge, Professor Wood received the most votes from Fellows during the two week voting period. Voter turnout was higher than during the past two elections.
The other candidates who stood were Ian Battersby, Rachel Dean, and Aoife Reid.
The role of vice-chair involves working with other Board members to increase the visibility of the Fellowship within the veterinary profession and more widely, as well as broadening and consolidating the Fellowship’s influence and encouraging greater diversity in its membership.
In his candidate statement, Professor Wood wrote: “I believe that the opportunities for the RCVS Fellowship have not been realised yet and I am committed to working with the new chair to promote its effective development, reputation and role.
“The Fellowship is a critical element in the success of the Royal College (non-regulatory) functions of the College.
“My experiences of leadership and high-quality research, as well as professional profile, provide a good background to work with the Fellowship Board and Chair to develop an informed and effective strategy for the Fellowship.”
Professor Wood will be formally welcomed to the Board on Fellowship Day on 28 November 2024.
Niall Connell, chair of the Fellowship Board, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Professor Wood as the new Fellowship Board Vice-Chair.
“James’ impressive credentials and experience will be tremendous assets as we work with our Board, Fellows and the College to forge a valuable and positive future for the learned society that is the RCVS Fellowship.”
Image © RCVS
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
