Prospective candidates encouraged to step forward as 2026 elections nomination period launches

Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who wish to stand as a candidate in next year’s elections for RCVS Council and VN Council respectively, can now put themselves forward for nomination.

The elections to RCVS Council and VN Council are due to take place next spring and those who wish to be candidates need to submit their candidate nomination forms by 5pm on Saturday 31 January 2026. The nomination forms are contained within the candidate nomination packs, which contain guidance and information for prospective candidates, including information about the role and responsibilities of RCVS Council and VN Council members.

The information packs for both prospective RCVS Council candidates and prospective VN Council candidates can be downloaded from the RCVS Publications page. 

Clare Paget (pictured), the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections Returning Officer, said: “I am looking forward to my first year as the Returning Officer and overseeing next year’s RCVS Council and VN Council elections.

“Since joining the RCVS it is clear to me just what an important role members of both councils play when it comes to the effective regulation of the veterinary professions.

“Whether they are veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses or lay people, members bring their experiences, expertise and insight to bear in council, committee and subcommittee meetings on a variety of subjects – from the standards we set for the professions, to how we assess veterinary and veterinary nursing education, to subjects such as mental health and leadership.

“If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year.”

Next year’s RCVS Council election will have three elected veterinary surgeon places available, while VN Council will have two elected veterinary nurse places available.

RCVS Council is the governing body of the College and its members are responsible for approving major policy decisions concerning both the regulation and advancement of the professions, in addition to approving strategic and financial plans as well as annual budgets. Council members also sit on a number of committees and subcommittees responsible for areas such as standards, education, registration, finance, and the advancement of the professions, as well as ad hoc working groups set up to look at particular issues in detail.

VN Council and its members are responsible for all matters concerning veterinary nurse education and training standards, post-qualification awards and the registration of qualified veterinary nurses. VN Council also has oversight over the VN Vision project and members may also be asked to sit on the VN Education Committee, other RCVS committees/ subcommittees or ad hoc working groups.

As with the 2025 elections, next year’s will be taking place under the amended RCVS Election Scheme, which was approved by the Privy Council in 2024, and allows for greater flexibility in how the College runs its elections, and in the information it asks from those standing for elected positions on RCVS and VN Councils.

Veterinary surgeons who are interested in standing for RCVS Council and who have any further queries should contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, on [email protected]

Veterinary nurses who are interested in standing for VN Council and who have further queries about the candidacy and election process should contact Annette Amato, VN Council Secretary, on [email protected]

If prospective candidates for either election want to find out more about how the RCVS works, they are welcome to attend the meeting of RCVS Council taking place remotely on Thursday 22 January. Those who wish to attend should contact Dawn Wiggins on the above email address.