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Tim Hutchinson elected as RCVS junior vice-president
Mr Hutchinson called his appointment an 'unexpected honour'.
Mr Hutchinson will take on the role at RCVS’ AGM in July.

Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council have chosen Tim Hutchinson as the College’s new junior vice-president.

Mr Hutchinson, a veterinary practice owner and small veterinary surgeon, was elected during the RCVS Council’s meeting on Friday 13 March.

A practice owner and small animal veterinary surgeon, Mr Hutchinson is a managing partner of Larkmead Vets and a director for XL Vets. He graduated from Liverpool Vet School in 1994 and joined Larkmead Vets in 1998.

While at Larkmead Vets, Mr Hutchinson sought to grow and develop the practice, team and facilities to meet the needs of the local community.

He will take on his new role as junior vice-president at RCVS’ Annual General Meeting on Friday, 4 July.

Mr Hutchinson said: “At a time of great change for the veterinary profession, with the tantalising hope for a new Veterinary Surgeons Act set against the backdrop of the Competition and Markets Authority’s market investigation of the veterinary sector, it is an opportunity to bring this experience to the heart of our College.

“It was an unexpected honour to be elected to the position of JVP and I thank my colleagues on Council for entrusting the role to me. I also reflect on my initial university application which saw a clean sweep of rejections and hope that this can inspire others from the grass roots of our profession to get involved in shaping the future.”

Members also voted to confirm Tim Parkin as RCVS president and Linda Belton as senior vice-president. Tshidi Gardiner will be reconfirmed as treasurer, subject to her reelection to the Council.

Tim Parkin was also reconfirmed as chair of the Education Committee, while Olivia Cook will replace Linda Belton as chair of the Standards Committee.

Image © RCVS

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.