The role of members of the RCVS Council is as follows:
To undertake the governance of the College, in accordance with the powers and obligations set out in the Act and the Charter.
To attend Council Meetings (normally six a year).
to make Bye-Laws under the Charter and to approve draft regulations for submission to the Privy Council, to be made under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966;
to agree the Strategic Plan; the five-year financial plan and the budget for the forthcoming year, including fees to be levied;
to ensure that income and expenditure are properly accounted for, investments prudently made and audited accounts presented to the membership in the Annual Report and at the AGM;
to receive reports from committees;
to elect the President, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer and determine the composition of committees;
to appoint the Chief Executive & Secretary, and the Registrar.
To sit on working parties, boards and committees (which can act with delegated authority on certain matters and make recommendations to Council on the more important and strategic issues). NB Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees are set up by statute and have autonomous powers.
To represent the College on outside organisations and at meetings, or to speak to the media on behalf of the College, as requested or agreed with one of the Officers.
To act in accordance with the public service principles set out in the Nolan Committee's First Report on Standards in Public Life, which include selflessness (acting solely in the public interest), integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
To maintain an up-to-date declaration of interests for publication on the website and to provide the College with biographical information and photographs for publication on the website and elsewhere.
To participate in induction and training sessions.
NB Council Members are not elected or appointed to represent any constituency and all have a responsibility equivalent to trustees for the governance of the College.
Delegation Scheme 2021 PDF 236KB
Policy for Complaints against Council or Committee Members DOCX 36KB
Code of Conduct for Council and Committee Members DOCX 37KB