Fellowship Board Elections 2024 FAQs

Frequently-asked questions for potential candidates

1. How can I stand for election to RCVS Fellowship Board?

In 2024 there are two elections, one to elect the Chair of the Fellowship Board, and one to elect the Chair of the Credentials Panel (Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice pathway). Fellows must choose which election to stand in and cannot stand in more than one.

Those considering standing for election first need to secure nomination from two Fellows of the RCVS. Nominators cannot be current members of the Fellowship Board.

There is then paperwork for you to fill out and sign, and paperwork for your nominees and you to sign. Both can be found on the RCVS Fellowship Election 2024 webpage.

Candidates:

There is a short form, which includes your name, qualifications, address and other contact details. You are then asked to include a short (max 200 words) biography and (max 300 words) personal statement.

You also need to send us a high-resolution digital image to be included in the election information given to voters.

Your proposer and seconder need to complete a form that asks for their name and Register information and to confirm by email; to the RCVS ([email protected]) that they agree to nominate you, and you also need to sign this form (electronic signatures are acceptable).

The paperwork needs to be submitted to the RCVS by 4pm on 24 May 2024 by email to [email protected]. The RCVS may directly contact nominators to confirm their proposing or seconding of the candidate for election.

2.  Who can apply to stand for election?

All Fellows will be eligible to put themselves forward as a candidate and vote in these elections – including Honorary Fellows.

Notwithstanding the member of the RCVS Officer Team, where a member of the Fellowship Board is appointed to senior position within the wider RCVS governance structure (for example a Committee Chair) they would be required to resign their position on the Fellowship Board.

3. What is the timeframe* for the election?

*With the exception of the closing date for submission of nominations, dates are a guideline.

4. What is the composition of The Fellowship Board?

The Fellowship Board is comprised of the following:

• *Chair
• Officer of the RCVS
• Vice-Chair from the Fellowship
• Three Credential Panel Chairs;

1. *Credential Panel Chair (Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice)
2. Credential Panel Chair (Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge)
3. Credential Panel Chair (Meritorious Contributions to the Profession)

• A lay member appointed by RCVS Council
• Immediate past Chair of the Fellowship Board
• Projects and Engagement Officer
• Chair of the Fellowship Science Advisory Panel (FSAP)

* Roles up for election

5.  Are there any restrictions on what I can include in my candidate statement?

It should go without saying that your statement needs to be legal, decent, honest and truthful.

Links to websites etc. are not permitted in your biography or statement. (You may publish a link to a single campaigning website, for example a Facebook or Twitter/X account, in your contact details.)

We aim to publish exactly as submitted – which means that any typographical errors will also be included. The College would only intervene if the proposed statement were libellous or is perceived to bring the College into disrepute.

The Code of Professional Conduct pertains to the publication of your statement, as much as any other element of your professional life.

More detail about what to include in your statement is included in the ‘Guidance notes for candidates’ which can be downloaded from the RCVS Fellowship Election 2024 webpage.

6. How many people will stand for election?

There is no limit to the number of election candidates each year but candidates can only stand for one position, not multiple.

7. What is the term for an elected member?

All positions are subject to a term limit of three years. Individuals may re-stand for election or appointment to a position they have previously held. An individual may stay on the Board for two consecutive terms in different positions. For example, a Panel Chair could stand for election as the Fellowship Chair.

8. How much of my time would being a Fellowship Board member take up?

The Fellowship Board aims to meet every two – three months which may vary depending on the agenda. These meetings are usually held via video conference. In the event of an in-person meeting, this would likely be held in central London, location depending on available space.

On average, therefore, successful candidates might expect to spend around 3 to 4 days a year on Fellowship Board business in terms of meetings (face to face and/or conference calls). Additional time will be required to keep on top of emails, read paperwork and to support in the delivery of projects.

The Chair would also need to attend APC meetings, one in person full day (London) and two half days remotely. On occasion this can be delegated to the Vice Chair.

Fellowship Day is the flagship event and the Chair is expected to play a leading role on the day, delivering the Chair’s speech and closing remarks of the day, as well as welcoming the new cohort of Fellows. Please be aware that the 2024 Fellowship Day event is due to take place on 28 November at One Great George Street in London.

9. Is the RCVS inclusive and family-friendly?

We strive to be, both for staff and Fellowship Board members. There are generally fewer meetings during the holiday periods, because we follow an academic calendar. Meetings are planned as far in advance as possible and predominantly remote for the Fellowship Board to allow maximum flexibility and inclusion.   We will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to ensure that members are able to participate in Board activities as fully as they can.

10. Would I be paid for Fellowship Board work?

Fellowship Board members are not paid directly for the work they do. However, employers can claim a loss of earnings allowance on your behalf (and, if you are self-employed, you can do this). The rate is set at £338 per day.

Days spent on specific College business can be claimed for, e.g. meetings, but not time spent on emails, preparation for a meeting, or reading time.

11. Would I receive expenses for Fellowship Board work?

Reasonable expenses are covered for travel and accommodation if in-person meetings, speaking engagements are required.