The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has announced the results of the 2011 RCVS and VN Council elections.
Elected to the RCVS Council are:
Not elected are:
For the first time in eight years, all six successful RCVS Council candidates have served on Council before, although one - Sandy Trees - is currently an appointed, rather than an elected, member.
For VN Council, one existing member has been returned and two new members have been elected:
Not elected to VN Council was:
Following rises in previous turnouts, voting figures have dropped markedly this year in both RCVS and VN Councils elections, to 15.9% (3,887 voters) and 7.6% (723 voters) respectively. The previous turnouts were 18.8% (in 2010) and 11.2% (in 2009).
RCVS Registrar Jane Hern said: "It's certainly disappointing that the turnout has dropped so much this year. It's unclear whether this is due to lack of time, lack of awareness, or lack of interest, but perhaps anyone who didn't vote could let us know why, so we can see what we could do to increase participation.
"Nevertheless, my congratulations to all successful candidates, who I look forward to formally welcoming, or welcoming back, onto the Councils at RCVS Day in July, and my commiserations to those who were unsuccessful this time and who I hope won't be discouraged from standing again next year."
This year's chosen charity - the Veterinary Benevolent Fund - will receive a cheque for £922 arising from the College's pledge to donate 20p for each veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse who cast a vote.
PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.
Oh, dear! The mixture as before; "Keep taking the tablets".
Tim.
Considering each member had 6 votes for the RCVS council, I think this means that about 90% of us didn't bother to vote. I assume that means they won't complain about anything either?
Perhaps even more to the point, given the present results, the poor voter turn out, the lackadaisical response and the trite replies in the election forum organised by Arlo, does the veterinary profession really want, or merit, self governance?
Same old, same old. Sorry to say but I'm glad I'm out. Doesn't look like anything's going to change any time soon.