Chair of the RCVS Fellowship Board specification

Scope of the post

1. The Chair of the Fellowship Board should be a high-profile and forward-thinking individual who can lead the further development of the RCVS Fellowship.

2. The Fellowship Board oversees the procedures for the appointment of new Fellows making the final decisions on the award of the Fellowship after receiving recommendations from the Chairs of its Credentials Panels.

3. The Fellowship Board is responsible for directing the implementation of its strategy to deliver the objectives agreed by RCVS Council, this includes the work of its Science Advisory Panel and the Fellowship Working Groups.

4. Appointment by election to the Fellowship Board will be for a period of three years starting in autumn 2024. Membership may be renewed for a further period if the incumbent wishes to seek re-election to a different role to the one, they currently hold. 

Specific tasks

5. The Chair will take the lead in consolidating the Fellowship’s position as the learned society of the RCVS. They will do this by working alongside other Fellowship Board members to determine the ongoing strategy and objectives of the Fellowship and ensuring it makes progress towards achieving these agreed goals and those of the RCVS.

6. Attend and preside over meetings which will serve to approve applicants, recommended by the Credentials Panel, for Fellowship.

7. The Chair will report to the Advancement of the Professions Committee (APC) providing regular updates to allow for appropriate oversight of its operations. The APC meets three times a year, one full day and two half days.

8. Support promotion of the Fellowship through speaking engagements, outreach activities and other marketing / promotional endeavours to recruit and give a voice to the Fellowship as appropriate.

Honorarium

9. Post-holders can claim a loss of earnings allowance, and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Person specification

10. Highly experienced and high-profile veterinary professional who has made an outstanding contribution to clinical practice, to the profession or to veterinary science. Candidates must be existing RCVS Fellows. The RCVS is committed to equality of opportunity for all, and we welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds.

12. A strong familiarity with the roles of the Fellowship governance appointees.

13. Ideally has experience of serving on governing panels or nominating/award committees.

14. Experience of chairing meetings.

15. Enthusiasm for the advancement of veterinary medicine/science and the recognition of achievement in the veterinary profession evidenced by experience of implementing ambitious plans of work.

16. Ability to work to deadlines.

17. Ability to apply good diplomacy skills and behave with probity.

18. Excellent communication skills.

19. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively incorporating these principles into their approach to the role.