In 2006 I was honoured to be elected to RCVS Council. You trusted me to stand-up and make the voice of practitioners heard. I hope that I have gone some way to fulfilling your expectations.

Whilst RCVS is seen as remote, their decisions seriously affect us all. My mission has been to try and make RCVS open and accountable. This has not been popular. However, my determination has brought about some changes for the benefit of vets and public alike and begun the modernisation of RCVS’ ethos and practice.

Following my investigations into the failure to properly disclose interests, an independent “Corporate Governance” committee was established. Council members’ interests are now published on the website and declarations are made at every meeting.
Previously ALL RCVS Council papers were classed as confidential and could not be discussed with you, the MsRCVS who actually pay the registration fees. Now only exceptional items are kept private, allowing RCVS business to be debated openly.
Whilst on the RCVS Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) I was instrumental in the adoption of electronic case records (against some initial resistance). This change allowed a dramatic reduction in times taken to process complaints – reducing stress for all parties.

RCVS invites veterinary organisations and individuals to join committees. The aim of this is to gain a wider understanding and sometimes consensus. However papers for these meetings are frequently delivered late. The most recent Advisory meeting had a massive (circa 100 page) document about the proposal for a new Guide to Professional Conduct delivered only TWO days in advance of the meeting. This makes proper consultation impossible. Decisions affecting you may then be made on the hoof. Fortunately Advisory agreed to my request to delay discussion until the papers had been available for proper consideration.
RCVS Council agreed to my motion at the November meeting to ensure papers were delivered at least 10 working days in advance of a meeting - however the March meeting reneged on that decision. Rest assured I will continue to try and ensure that RCVS develops the administrative ability to circulate papers on time.

I have laboured, in both council and committees, to have the voice of working vets heard. Big issues are ahead, the Panorama TV expose and others have shaken the confidence of the public.

I hope that you will vote for me to continue to work in RCVS on your behalf.