The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is looking for around 30 animal owners and keepers to join its new Public Advisory Group (PAG).
With the aim to support the organisation in its role to uphold and advance standards of veterinary surgeons and nurses, the group will initially run for a 12-month trial period. The group will look to gauge public opinion about RCVS activities and learn more about the experiences of veterinary service users. It will also ensure the organisation continues to work in the public interest.
Louise Allum, RCVS Council Member and Chair of the Public Advisory Group, said: “The UK veterinary and veterinary nursing professions are small, but mighty. There is a lot of responsibility resting on our shoulders to ensure that we uphold animal health and welfare and public health effectively, but we cannot do this alone.
“Animal owners and keepers play an essential role in supporting animal welfare, and it is therefore not only right, but necessary, that we actively seek to inform the public of our activities and take their opinion into account when making
“We are inviting animal owners and keepers from all backgrounds – from companion animal, to equine and farm – to be a part of our Public Advisory Group to help us actively engage with members of the public and to ensure that the veterinary professions continue to meet the needs of clients and animals alike. We also hope that, by involving animal owners and keepers in our work, we can improve the ways in which we communicate our messages to veterinary service users. When working towards a collective goal, it is vital that everyone has a chance to be a part of the conversation.
“If you are interested in supporting veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to continue delivering high standards of animal health and welfare, please do consider applying to become a part of our PAG. Your opinions matter and we look forward to hearing from you!”
Those interested in joining the Group need to be able to attend two or three online meetings per year, read paperwork in advance and contribute to meetings in a clear, courteous and confident manner. PAG members must also maintain confidentiality of the content of papers and meetings.
For further information, including time commitments, remuneration, terms and how to apply, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/PAG. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday June 7, 2023.