RCVS Council candidate David Bartam, who says the College needs to become more "engaged" with the profession.

RCVS Council candidate calls for shake up of disciplinary process

The mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary profession is a passion of RCVS council candidate David Bartram.

He has been a director of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund since 2008 where he has special responsibility for the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme. He has also published extensively and presented to conferences worldwide.

In his manifesto, David calls for changes to the RCVS disciplinary procedure, and for the college to become "More in touch and engaged with our profession."

"Efforts should be enhanced to ensure that recent graduates have the skills, personal attributes and support required to thrive in the job as they develop their confidence and clinical abilities," David added.

The elections are open until April 25.

1. Why did you decide to stand for election?


I believe that my employment, research and charitable work have given me wide exposure to and an appreciation and understanding of the needs of our profession across its diversity of employment types and career stages. This means that I would be able to represent the profession well in College matters. My familiarity with the profession in other countries provides a valuable frame of reference.

2. What are you hoping to achieve if you are elected to the council?


The College must proactively foster a professional environment in which vets can flourish. This will serve the interests of animals and the public. If elected to Council, it will be my unyielding endeavour to ensure that all College activities and decisions are scrutinised against this backdrop.

3. What changes would you like to see in the profession? 


Vets need to believe that the disciplinary process is robust, transparent and, above all, fair. Disproportionate fear of potential disciplinary proceedings is counterproductive. It impedes delivery of high standards of veterinary practice by restricting professional discretion, reducing job satisfaction and diminishing self-confidence.

Complaints need to be resolved faster, communications to the vets involved expressed more sympathetically and clearly, and a more compassionate approach adopted throughout.

4. Where do you see the college in five years?

The College must become more in touch and engaged with our profession and, while ensuring a clear identity as the regulator, should work synergistically with other professional bodies to promote our profession externally.

5. Why should our members vote for you?


I have the experience, dedication, passion, tenacity and leadership to represent the profession on RCVS Council. I am prepared to devote the time required to serve the profession well and would relish that opportunity.


6. How can the college connect better with the veterinary profession?

Listening, understanding needs and acting upon them.