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.

In May 2018, a Legislative Reform Order amending the governance arrangements of the RCVS received ministerial approval. This amendment made a number of changes to the composition of RCVS Council, including a reduction in the number of elected places available on Council from 24 to 13 over a staged transition.

Council members are also now only able to serve a total of 3 consecutive 4-year terms and will need to take a 2-year break between before standing for Council again.

RCVS Council election 2024 - nominations now open

The nomination period for the 2024 RCVS Council election is now open, with eligible veterinary surgeons able to put themselves forward by completing the candidate nomination forms available in the downloadable 'Information pack for prospective candidates'. 

The information pack also contains details about the role and remit of RCVS Council and its members, as well as further guidance on the candidate nomination and election process. 

Please note: candidate nomination forms must be received no later than 5pm on 31 January 2024. 

If you have any queries about the candidate nomination process please contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, on [email protected] 

View results of previous elections