RCVS Council
The RCVS Council sets the College’s strategic direction and safeguards professional standards across the veterinary profession.
Council elections
RCVS Council comprises 24 members, each of them serving for a 4-year term of office. Six are appointed lay members, two are appointed veterinary nurse members, three are appointed by the Veterinary Schools Council to represent the overall number of RCVS-accredited veterinary schools, and 13 by direct election, held annually.
RCVS Council election 2027
Nominations are now open for next year's RCVS Council election. Veterinary surgeons can put themselves forward to stand as one of our elected Council members, taking decisions on the education, training, registration and professional standards for the profession.
The deadline for nominations is Sunday 31 January 2027. This guide contains the full details about how to stand for election and what it means to be a member of Council.
Related Content
Council members
RCVS Council's elected members, Veterinary Schools Council-appointed members, appointed lay members and members appointed from VN Council.
Council meetings
Dates of upcoming RCVS Council meetings, together with agendas and papers for each meeting