Following a recent election period, RCVS Fellows have now elected BEVA Publications Officer Professor James Wood FRCVS as the new Vice-Chair of the Fellowship Board.
A total of four candidates ran for the position of Vice-Chair, with Fellows having two weeks to cast their votes. Voter turnout was higher than in the past two elections.
The Fellowship Vice-Chair has a key role in ensuring the effective implementation of the Fellowship Board’s strategy to create a thriving learned society. An important part of the role will therefore be to work together with other Board members to heighten the Fellowship’s visibility within the profession and more widely, as appropriate.
Other specific aspects of the Vice-Chair role include workstreams with the aim of broadening and consolidating the Fellowship’s influence as well as encouraging greater diversity within its membership.
Candidates who stood for election were as follows:
• Ian Battersby FRCVS
• Dr Rachel Dean FRCVS
• Dr Aoife Reid FRCVS
• Prof James Wood FRCVS (Elected)
In his candidate statement, Professor Wood stated: “I believe that the opportunities for the RCVS Fellowship have not been realised yet and I am committed to working with the new Chair to promote its effective development, reputation and role. The Fellowship is a critical element in the success of the Royal College (non-regulatory) functions of the College.
“My experiences of leadership and high-quality research, as well as professional profile, provide a good background to work with the Fellowship Board and Chair to develop an informed and effective strategy for the Fellowship.”
Niall Connell FRCVS, Chair of the Fellowship Board, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Professor Wood as the new Fellowship Board Vice-Chair. James’ impressive credentials and experience will be tremendous assets as we work with our Board, Fellows and the College to forge a valuable and positive future for the learned society that is the RCVS Fellowship.”
Professor Wood will be formally welcomed to the Board at this year’s Fellowship Day, which will take place on Thursday 28 November 2024 at One Great George Street, London. More information about Fellowship Day and tickets for the event can be found on the dedicated Fellowship Day page on the RCVS website.