The purpose of RCVS Council [derived from the Charter]

1. It is laid down in the Charter that the affairs of the College shall be managed by the Council as constituted under the Act. The Council shall have the entire management of and superintendence over the affairs, concerns and property of the College (save those powers of directing removal from, suspension from or restoration to the register of veterinary surgeons and supplementary veterinary register reserved to the disciplinary committee established under the Act) and shall have power to act by committees, subcommittees or boards and to delegate such functions as it thinks fit from time to time to such committees, subcommittees or boards and to any of its own number and to the employees and agents of the College

2. The Council is also responsible for the appointment of the CEO and Registrar, and the ratification of the Assistant Registrars. The appointment of the Registrar will be undertaken in consultation with the Chief Executive. Appointment of all other staff members is the responsibility of the CEO and relevant members of the Senior Team.

3. A strategic plan is developed and agreed by Council to facilitate the delivery of these activities and to ensure ongoing development and quality improvement.

4. A delegation scheme that outlines how Council’s functions are managed via system of committees and other groups is agreed annually by Council.

How Council members work

1. In order to enable the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to fulfil its vision, and to discharge its functions under its Royal Charter and the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, RCVS Council members will:

a. Abide by the Nolan Principles of Public Life;

b. Work in the best interests of the public, and of animal health and welfare and public health;

c. Respectfully listen to the voices of the professions, the public and other stakeholders, and reflect them in discussions where appropriate, ensuring they are put into context;

d. Neither be answerable to, nor represent, any group of individuals;

e. Support the College’s vision and work towards the success of the College and its functions;

f. Live the College’s values;

g. Act at all times in a constructive, supportive and compassionate manner;

h. Exercise a duty of care to the staff employed by the College, working through the CEO and Registrar;

i. Recognise the importance of a collegiate atmosphere where robust discussion is welcomed in the formation of policy and multiple points of view are listened to and respected;

j. Communicate College activities and positions to relevant stakeholders;

k. Respect and support the decisions made by Council when communicating externally;

l. Abide by the Code of Conduct for Council and Committee

Personal Attributes:

Candidates will need to provide evidence of relevant knowledge and experience. In particular, we are seeking candidates with:

• Relevant experience at a senior (executive or non-executive) level e.g. board level or equivalent
• Understanding and knowledge of corporate governance, strategy and policy development, risk management and financial controls
• General understanding of and interest in professional regulation, the veterinary professions, consumer protection and, animal health and welfare
• Ideally, a level of financial expertise, and business management background

Criteria for Competence: