Allegations were reported both in The Times, and the Veterinary Record.
In its statement, the College said: "We know that the University of Edinburgh takes any such accusations extremely seriously and that its inquiry fully and robustly investigated the claims in 2019. This inquiry found no evidence of misconduct, a decision that was later upheld after an appeal.
The College recognised the massive impact that bullying can have on anyone who has been subject to it and acknowledged that the individual accounts published in the Veterinary Record were upsetting to read. However it also drew attention to the 'huge amount of stress that can be caused by ‘trial by media’, especially when an inquiry has concluded that there were no issues to be found'.
As to the role of the RCVS Junior Vice-President, the College pointed out that this is a matter for RCVS Council, as the postholder is elected by Council.
Professor Argyle will be making a statement to Council at its next meeting on 5th November, after which Councillors will be able to ask any questions they have, and then consider the matter.
Meanwhile, the College has asked the Vet Record whether any of the people who made the anonymous testimonials would like to supply any information directly.
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Are the anonymous testimonials really all full of lies and unfounded allegations? Was ther really no evidence of any misconduct to be found?
Smoke and fire...? So so sad to read these stories and so totally believable to anyone who has worked in a veterinary academia and not just Edinburgh. How is it that still in 2020 colleges and universities seem to think themselves above the rules of law when it comes to employment rights and how about just downright decent work place behavior. Let us hope the RCVS does lead by example and maybe now would be a good time to ask themselves why colleagues still feel they are unable to raise genuine concerns easily, without obstacles put in their way and in a safe anonymous environment without fear of repercussions like our medical and dental counterparts. The RCVS absolutely needs to be seen to be beyond reproach. Its reputation is already under challenge and if it allows itself to be seen to be complicit in what could turn out to be very serious matters it risks undermining the good name of the entire profession.