Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th March 2026
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Voting opens for 2026 RCVS Council elections
Vets can vote for up to three candidates for RCVS Council.
Members can vote until Friday, 24 April 2026.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened voting for its 2026 Council elections.

Veterinary surgeons now have until 5pm on Friday, 24 April 2026 to vote for up to three of the candidates to stand a four-year term.

This year there are 15 candidates standing for election. Each candidate has shared a full biography and statement that can be read on the RCVS website.

They were also given the opportunity to answer a question of their choice, chosen from a selection submitted by members of the profession.

The candidates standing for election are:
•    Dr Sharon Alston MRCVS
•    Mr Ian Battersby FRCVS
•    Dr Laura Davies MRCVS
•    Mrs Ioana Dobre MRCVS
•    Mrs Hannah Eastwood MRCVS
•    Dr Villam Hoferica MRCVS
•    Dr Benjamin Kennedy MRCVS
•    Dr Tom Lonsdale MRCVS
•    Dr Rachael McKinney MRCVS
•    Miss Alison Price MRCVS
•    Dr Peter Robinson MRCVS
•    Dr Neil Smith FRCVS
•    Dr David Tweedle MRCVS
•    Dr Samantha Webster MRCVS
•    Dr Lara Wilson MRCVS

The three candidates who receive the most votes will begin their four-year terms on RCVS Council at RCVS’ Annual General Meeting on Friday, 3 July 2026.

Voting emails have already been sent by Civica Election Services (CES), which runs the elections on behalf of RCVS, on Wednesday, 11 March. The email contains a secure link to the voting website, with a pre-filled code that is unique to each individual veterinary surgeon.

As well as an initial email, CES will send regular reminder emails to veterinary surgeons who have not yet voted. Members who have not received a voting email should contain CES directly on support@cesvotes.com and state which election they believe they are eligible to vote in.

As part of the amended RCVS Election Scheme, the RCVS Council election is being conducted entirely online. Where RCVS does not hold a unique email address it has instead sent voting instructions by post.

Image © Shutterstock.com/RCVS

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.