Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS Council asked to back down over post-nominals
The Operational Board has recommended the council review its decision.
Operational board asks council to review its decision after outcry from the profession

RCVS Council will be asked to review its decision to remove certain post-nominals from the register of veterinary surgeons.

The decision prompted an outpouring of criticism from vets in the press, on social media and an online petition forum.

After a meeting yesterday (April 24), the RCVS Operational Board has recommended the council rethink its decision.

More than 1,200 people have signed a petition calling for the RCVS to overturn its decision and the college has been accused of being "out of touch" with its members.

The Operational Board says that while it feels the reasoning behind council's decision was "sound", other methods could now be used to tackle the issues it aims to address.

Council will be asked to review its decision at its meeting on June 5.

The volume of criticism from vets has prompted some to question how a situation has arisen where a council decision is so at odds with the views of the profession.

It also raises the question of how decisions are made at the college and how this could be improved to better represent the profession.

Meanwhile, RCVS Council election voting closes today (April 25). In recent weeks a number of candidates have commented on under-representation of certain sections of the profession on council - for example new graduates, women and vets in practice.

It could be argued that this latest example of a disconnect between council and the profession underlines this further.

Similarly, some have questioned whether the college is accepting enough of those who challenge its views. This has been fuelled by the recent resignation of long-term councillor Bob Partridge due to "personal reasons".

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.