Ensuring the RCVS has "good governance at its heart"
Kate has worked as a farm vet and in government and non-executive roles.
In previous years, there have been concerns about too few women standing for RCVS Council elections. This year, however, has seen a record of 10 women standing for council.
Kate Richards hopes to bring her wide experience, skills and fresh outlook to the council. After working as a farm vet for 14 years, she has spent the last decade in non-veterinary roles, including veterinary advisor for Defra and work in pharmaceuticals and Whitehall departments.
Currently working as a non-executive director for Moredun and SRUC, Kate says her broad experience within and outside of the veterinary profession gives her a "unique perspective". In her manifesto, she says she wants to ensure "good governance is at the very heart of a modern RCVS."
The rising number of veterinary graduates is, Kate says, "an issue close to my heart". With a wide range of experience in non-veterinary work, Kate says in her manifesto she would like to see graduates of all ages "view their veterinary degree in its widest context."
If elected, Kate will take her seat on the council in July. Ballot papers have been posted to all veterinary surgeons and the RCVS has set up a dedicated election website for voting online (link). All votes must be cast by April 25 at 5pm.
1. Why did you decide to stand for election?
I am standing for election to provide the electorate with a candidate who is female, who has worked in first opinion practice, in the pharmaceutical industry and in UK Government. I have diverse experience and skills that I can bring to council, as well as being a non-executive director on two boards so I understand how to operate as one of a large committee. I will bring a veterinary and non-veterinary perspective to council which includes experience of good governance, transparency, openness and accountability.
2. What are you hoping to achieve if you are elected to the council?
If elected I would like to ensure that the RCVS has good governance at its heart. While much has been done over the past year there are still perceived issues with governance. Linked to ensuring good governance is in place, is communicating that effectively and openly to the profession. One option would be to invite members of the profession to attend board meetings as observers so they could see how the council operates at first hand. I would also look to raise awareness of the different career paths a veterinary degree may take us, and for graduates to realise the full potential of this extraordinary comparative science degree. This will broaden the horizons of all graduates who will find opportunities in the evolving veterinary employment market.
3. What changes would you like to see in the profession?
I would like to see clarity of out of hours provision and house calls which is causing the profession some distress. I would like to see the veterinary profession taking the initiative to seek employment opportunities in the evolving employment market - for example having leadership roles in One Health.
4. Where do you see the college in five years?
I would like to see the college really in touch with the profession, especially its younger members. Progress has been made but there is much still to be done. I would like to see council as truly representative of the profession it represents. The number and diversity of candidates standing in this election is fantastic news.
5. Why should our members vote for you?
I have a breadth and depth of knowledge from the many roles I have held in my career. I believe I bring a unique perspective, enthusiasm and time to give back to the profession. I would be a fully committed council member and hit the ground running with experience of similar types of board roles.
6. How can the college connect better with the veterinary profession?
This is all about communication, listening and learning. Demonstrating openness and accessibility is key, the college has done a good deal on communicating with the profession over the last few years, for example question time and ‘Meet the RCVS days’. I would encourage the council to hold meetings in open session, invite members of the profession to observe proceedings and webcast meetings. This level of openness and access would give the profession a better insight into the council and the college.
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