- AB0201 - RCVS - 2/3 Lay Members for the RCVS Council. Closing date: 4 March 4pm
- About the RCVS and the Councils
- Governance and New Legislation
- The Role and Responsibilities of the Council Lay Member
- Remuneration: Loss of Earnings and Expenses
- Eligibility
- Timeline, Application Process and How to apply
- Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring
- Appendix: Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members
- Advert PDF
- Candidate Brief PDF
Letter from Linda Belton, President of the RCVS
Dear Candidate,
I am delighted that you have expressed an interest in applying to be a lay member on RCVS Council. This is an important opportunity to help support us in our commitment to setting, upholding and advancing veterinary standards.
As a royal college that regulates, the RCVS is in a unique position to take on this role in a holistic manner, which means that we can effectively work with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that not only are veterinary professionals fit for practice, but the professions are fit for purpose.
To ensure we do all of this in the public interest, which includes supporting animal health and welfare and public health, it’s vital that we have strong lay voices within our governance framework.
You would be joining RCVS Council, the governing body of the RCVS, at an interesting and challenging time: We have a continued push for new legislation to replace the outdated 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act, a new strategy plan being finalized and a new headquarters close to opening. The long-awaited culmination of the Competition and Markets Authority review of the veterinary sector is due to report and 2025 looks set to be a year that reframes how we operate in key ways.
The role of members of the Council includes undertaking the governance of the College in accordance with the powers and obligations set out in the Act and the Charter, attending Council Meetings (normally six a year) and agreeing the Strategic Plan, the five-year financial plan and the budget for the forthcoming year, including fees to be levied.
The role also includes ensuring that income and expenditure are properly accounted for, investments prudently made and audited accounts are presented to the membership in the Annual Report and at the AGM. Council elects the President, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer and determines the composition of committees. Critically all members must act in accordance with the public service principles set out in the Nolan Committee’s First Report on Standards in Public Life, which include selflessness (acting solely in the public interest), integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
We are looking for people with relevant experience at a senior level, e.g. board level or equivalent with understanding and knowledge of corporate governance, strategy, policy development, risk management and financial controls. Candidates will need to provide evidence in their application of relevant knowledge and experience.
For a confidential conversation with Thewlis Graham Associates who are managing the process, please contact Sarah Thewlis, Managing Director via email at rcvs@thewlisgraham.com. Sarah will be happy to discuss this opportunity with you and answer any questions you may have.
Yours sincerely
Linda Belton