- AB0203 - RCVS - Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) 1 Lay Member & 1 Reserve Lay Member & Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) for the Charter Case Committee (CCC). Closing date: 17 March 12 noon
- About the RCVS and the Councils
- Person Specification
- Timeline, Application Process and How to apply
- Diversity and Inclusion Monitoring
- Annex A: The seven principles of public life
- Annex B: Extract from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee Protocol 2022
- Annex C: Charter Case Protocol
- Annex D: Charter Case Rules
- Annex E) Link to the PIC manual
- Advert PDF
- Candidate Brief PDF
Person Specification
It is proposed to make the following appointments with effect from July 2025:
RCVS PIC; 1 Lay member
CCC; 1 RVN member
In addition it is proposed to make the following appointment
RCVS PIC; 1 reserve lay member
The normal term of office will be four years, with a maximum of two terms (any extension of term will be at the discretion of the RCVS)
All committee members must:
- be committed to the seven principles of public life (see Annex A);
- understand the importance of maintaining public confidence in the regulation of the veterinary profession;
- (for lay members only) have a general understanding and genuine interest in the work of the veterinary profession and animal health and welfare;
- be able to grasp detail and contribute to objective decision-making by exercising sound judgment;
- be able to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with a changing group of colleagues from a range of backgrounds and experiences;
- have good oral and written communication skills;
- have a reliable internet connection; and
- be able to manage time effectively.
Appointments will be made on the basis of merit. In choosing between candidates of equal merit, regard may also be had to the desirability of committee members having a range of collective experience.
4) Conflicts of interest
Committee members will be required to declare any general conflict of interest of any relevant business interests, positions of authority or other connections with organisations relevant to the business of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and any conflict of interest that arises in the course of committee business.
Candidates who hold office in, or are employed by, organisations which represent the interests of the veterinary profession, or provide indemnity insurance for veterinary surgeons, may also be required to withdraw from such offices or employment if offered appointment to one of the committees. Any such office or employment should be declared at the outset. Candidates should also be aware that, if appointed to any of the committees, they would be expected to refrain from becoming involved in their private capacity in investigating or acting as expert witnesses in relation to any matter that might potentially come before one of the committees.
5) Fitness to be a member or one of the committees
Members of the PIC hold office subject to satisfying certain conditions. Factors which will affect an applicant’s suitability include, but are not limited to:
- criminal convictions or outstanding criminal charges;
- a finding of impaired fitness to practise by any regulatory body;
- disqualification from a profession or as a company director;
- bankruptcy
- having an unspent conviction for a money laundering, bribery or terrorism-related offence, among others;
- having ever been found to be in contempt of court;
- having ever been removed as an officer or employee of a charity for misconduct or mismanagement;
- being subject to notification requirements under sexual offences legislation (i.e., they are on the sex offenders register); or
- being a “designated person” under anti-terrorist legislation.
The full conditions which apply to service as a member of the PIC are set out in PIC Protocol and the relevant provisions of which are in Annex B below. Applicants must disclose full details if any of the matters mentioned in the protocol applies to them.
6) Terms and conditions of office
Payments
- Committee members will be office holders, not employed by the RCVS. They will be entitled to a financial loss allowance based on the number of days or half days spent on College business.
- The limits for reimbursement of financial loss and travelling expenses are set by the RCVS Council.
Loss of Earnings
- Committee members are eligible to claim loss of earnings of, currently, £352 per day.
- Members of the DC may receive a compensatory loss of earnings payment if a hearing is cancelled at short notice.
Allowances
- Committee members are eligible to claim reimbursement of overnight subsistence of up to £245 per night and economy rail or air fare or motor mileage.
- There is no stationery/computer consumables allowance.
Taxation
- For those in full or part-time employment, or those not in employment, the RCVS will deduct at tax at source as though the individual was on the RCVS payroll.
- Those who are self-employed, and have a consultancy, would be paid in full on an invoice from the consultancy, on the assumption that they pay any tax due themselves.
All committee members will be required to comply with arrangements for appraisal for their performance plus attend two-day annual training (post appointment) and any necessary ad hoc training. There will be additional one-day training for Chairs and Vice-Chairs.
