RCVS Council
The main governing body of the RCVS, responsible for setting the College’s strategic direction and upholding professional standards across the veterinary profession.
Council elections
RCVS Council comprises 24 members, each of them serving for a 4-year term of office. Six are appointed lay members, two are appointed veterinary nurse members, three are appointed by the Veterinary Schools Council to represent the overall number of RCVS-accredited veterinary schools, and 13 by direct election, held annually.
In May 2018, a Legislative Reform Order amending the governance arrangements of the RCVS received ministerial approval. This amendment made a number of changes to the composition of RCVS Council, including a reduction in the number of elected places available on Council from 24 to 13 over a staged transition.
Council members are also now only able to serve a total of 3 consecutive 4-year terms and will need to take a 2-year break between before standing for Council again.
RCVS Council election 2026 - candidate nomination period open
The candidate nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council election is now open, with prospective candidates having until 5pm on Saturday 31 January 2026 to submit their nominations.
The nomination forms are contained in the RCVS Council election 2026 information pack for prospective candidates, which also contains details of the role of RCVS Council and its members, and guidance on completing the form.
If you have any questions about RCVS Council or its elections, contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, on [email protected]
How are Council Members elected?
Every year, three or four elected Members of Council complete their terms or begin new ones at the Annual General Meeting, depending on the election cycle.
The election process begins in early October of the preceding year, when retiring members eligible for re-election - as well as the veterinary press - are notified.
Only veterinary surgeons on the RCVS Register may stand for election.
Extract from the annual announcement
Nominations of persons for election to the Council must be submitted in writing on the prescribed form to the Registrar, duly completed on or before 31 January [year], along with all accompanying statements and photographs.
The nominations form and details about the form and content of statements from candidates and proposers are available from the Registrar.
Voting papers will subsequently be distributed to all members of the College, other than those who are resident in the Republic of Ireland who have not retained their right to vote in Council elections in the March mailing to members. Each nomination form must bear the signatures and registered addresses of two proposers.
NO proposer may:
- Nominate more than one candidate; or
- Be a member of Council; or
- Reside in the Republic of Ireland, unless he/she has retained his/her right to vote in Council elections."
Voting papers are returned to the Electoral Reform Services for collating and secure storage for six months, after which time they are destroyed. In recent years, the number of returned papers has averaged 16 per cent.
Online voting is now available to members.
Am I eligible to stand for election?
You are eligible if you are a registered member of the RCVS. This includes non-practising or overseas members.
Can I attend a Council meeting?
Any member is welcome to attend a Council meeting as an observer. You cannot actively participate unless the President addresses you directly. If you wish a specific issue to be raised, please submit it to the relevant committee for consideration.