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 2026 - candidate nomination period open

The candidate nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council election is now open, with prospective candidates having until 5pm on Saturday 31 January 2026 to submit their nominations. 

The nomination forms are contained in the RCVS Council election 2026 information pack for prospective candidates, which also contains details of the role of RCVS Council and its members, and guidance on completing the form. 

If you have any questions about RCVS Council or its elections, contact Dawn Wiggins, RCVS Council Secretary, on [email protected] 

View results of previous elections