13. Would I receive expenses for VN Council work?

VN Council 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 currently set at £155 per day, but this is currently under review.

Days spent on specific College business can be claimed for – eg meetings – but not time spent on emails or preparation for a meeting.

New VN Council members are invited to an induction day where they meet the President and senior staff to find out more about the role of Council and the activities of the College.

VN Council members are happy to support newly-elected members, with informal advice and a more formal “buddy” system.

For more information and an informal chat, you are welcome to contact Matthew Rendle RVN, Chair of VN Council ([email protected]); our Director of Veterinary Nursing, Julie Dugmore on [email protected]; or Annette Amato, Secretary to VN Council, on [email protected].

Our Council members tell us that being on VN Council has broadened their horizons and allowed them to meet people and go places they never would normally have done. In some cases, it’s given them back the buzz about their profession that they enjoyed when they first qualified. They feel good about giving something back to their profession – and often the employers benefit too, from having someone on their team ‘at the heart’ of the governance of the profession.

Council work can count as CPD if you feel it has helped you meet your development objectives, and it’s even been rumoured that it can be fun….

VN Council meetings are held in public and anyone is welcome to attend, providing there is space. Please contact Annette Amato on [email protected] for more information.

However, unfortunately, there is not a VN Council meeting during the candidate nomination period.

Paperwork from past VN Council meetings is available, which will give you an indication of the type of business conducted.