Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are now able to put themselves forward to stand in the 2027 elections for RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses (VN) Council respectively.
The candidate nomination period opened today [Friday 23 October 2026] with the publication of the full information for prospective candidates, including: the role and remit of the councils and their committees and subcommittees; the role of RCVS Council and VN Council members; key information about being a member of RCVS or VN Council; and guidance for those who are interested in standing.
The relevant information for veterinary surgeons who wish to stand in next year’s RCVS Council election is available on the website, while the equivalent information for veterinary nurses who wish to stand in the 2027 VN Council election is also available.
The relevant candidate nomination and information forms and an organogram setting out the structure of RCVS Council, VN Council and their committees, subcommittees and working groups can also be downloaded on each page.
Clare Paget (pictured), RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer for both elections, said: “Becoming an elected member of one of our councils is an excellent opportunity for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to bring their skills, knowledge and expert experience to help govern the professions in the public interest.
“I would recommend anyone who has an interest in governance and public service to take a look at the information we have provided and consider putting themselves forward as a candidate for next year. It should be noted that, while governance changes are expected under new veterinary legislation, including the end of elections to RCVS Council and VN Council, elections remain an important part of our current governance framework. They play a vital role in ensuring we gain the appropriate expertise needed to successfully govern the professions.
“We are very happy to assist in any questions prospective candidates may have about standing for RCVS Council and VN Council, and members of the professions are also welcome to attend our public meetings to get a sense of the kind of work that is undertaken and the kind of decisions that are made.”
Both elections will take place in March and April 2027, with the deadline for submitting nomination and candidate information forms for both RCVS Council and VN Council being 5pm on Sunday 31 January 2027.
Those with any queries about standing for either councils should contact Clare Paget on [email protected]
