RCVS CEO Nick Stace has published a refreshingly candid acknowledgement of recent concerns voiced by the profession on his blog, www.nickstaceblogs.org.
In his post, he gives a firm commitment to listen to the profession, asking just that in return, MsRCVS get more involved in College matters, such as voting in the elections and getting involved in consultations (starting with this one).
Definitely worth reading the full post: http://nickstaceblogs.org/2014/05/06/receiving-you-loud-and-clear/
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.
It's not an analogy, it's trite nonsense.
But I think you illustrate the mismatch between what the RCVS thinks it does for its members, and what its members actually view as its primary function.
We keep getting told that the role of the RCVS is to protect the public from us. Which implies a great deal, and gives us a sense of our place. If we choose not to vote because, quite simply, the RCVS doesn't measure up to our standards, we're branded as apathetic and unwilling to be proactive.
Put it this way: given the absolute shambles that has been the running of the RCVS in recent years (prior to your time, Nick) and its apparent invisibility when contentious issues hit the public domain, how many of us do you think would actually vote even to keep the Council running? The actions of the DC are only one reason why we don't engage.