Nominations are now open for candidates wishing to stand in the 2012 RCVS Council and RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council elections.
Jane Hern, RCVS Registrar said: "The veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses that sit on the RCVS and VN Councils are vital to the governance of their professions, and in steering the activities the College undertakes under its Royal Charter. If you're interested in making sure that your profession is well-governed, its standards are upheld, and the interests of animals and the public are protected, why not consider standing in these elections?"
Six seats on RCVS Council and two on VN Council are due to be filled in the 2012 elections. Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day next July, to serve four-year terms, and will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council meetings, working parties and subcommittees (a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).
All prospective candidates need to provide the signatures and registered/listed addresses of two proposers, and should also submit a short biography, manifesto and photograph for inclusion in the RCVS News Extra election specials. Nobody may nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may make a nomination.
Nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the Registrar on or before the closing date of 31 January 2012. Full details and guidance notes for both elections will be available on the RCVS website shortly on the RCVS Council Election page and VN Council Election page.
Nomination forms and candidate information forms for RCVS Council may be requested from Mrs Gabi Braun (020 7222 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk) and those for VN Council from Mrs Annette Amato (020 7202 0713 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.
Top tips for prospective candidate manifestoes
1. Protray yourself as a simple Joe, blessed with little more than a healthy dose of common sense. Revealing an extensive list of qualifications isn't good
2. Emphasise that you have been however briefly, in general practice and can therefore empathise.
3. Promise to be approachable - these are only words and you do not need to be sincere.
4. Promise to actively campaign for greater openness and accountability at RCVS.Again, this is only a promise for the purposes of getting elected.
5. It helps if you've served in SPVS or BVA
JGW - I don't think you should let no.5 get in the way - you've got the rest covered admirably. Get a move on.