Founded in 1791, The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the largest and longest-established veterinary school in the English-speaking world and a member institution of the University of London. In April 2023 the RVC was granted full University status by HM the King. Its mission is to be a leading international authority in education, clinical care, research, expert opinion and employment in veterinary and biomedical sciences.

Ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in the QS World Rankings for four years in a row, the RVC is one of the few veterinary schools in the world whose courses are accredited in the UK (with reciprocal recognition in Australasia, Ireland, and South Africa), the EU, and the US and Canada.

The RVC offers outstanding education to a student population of 2,500, and provides support for the veterinary professions and animal owners through its clinical care practices. In addition, the University is globally recognised for its research power in the veterinary, agricultural and food sciences.

Having recently completed a £45 million major estates programme, plans are in development for the construction of a new animal hospital in the Hertfordshire campus to replace the current facility, already the largest of its kind in Europe. Despite the unprecedented challenges facing the higher education sector, the RVC is in a good financial position with a turnover at July 2023 of £125 million and a £10 million surplus. The trend of positive financial performance has continued in the most recent financial year with further income growth and a healthy surplus generated. Committed, curious and compassionate, the RVC makes a difference, and the Chair is a critical part of its future.

We are currently seeking our next Chair to join Council in July 2025. Our next Chair will be an influential and inspiring individual with an impressive profile, keen to represent and celebrate the RVC publicly. They will operate with integrity of the highest level, and will be able to command the respect and trust of others from a wide variety of backgrounds. An experienced senior leader within large and complex environments, they will be an will have an inclusive and consensus-oriented approach, and will bring a sophisticated understanding of the higher education sector and of the scientific research and academic landscape in the UK. Above all, they must have a strong sense of empathy with the mission, values and ethos of the RVC, and to the broader veterinary profession.

The RVC welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.  Applications are particularly welcomed from people from protected characteristic groups currently underrepresented on Council who would further enhance its diversity.  All candidates must be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Senior Research Associate, Ellen Carter on Ellen.Carter@perrettlaver.com or +44 (0)20 3928 7362.

The closing date for applications is midnight (BST) on Sunday 13th October 2024.

Formal panel interviews will be held in late November / early December 2024.

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