President & Principal

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 His Majesty the King. The RVC’s 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 the last four years, the RVC is one of the few veterinary schools internationally whose courses are accredited in the UK, Australasia, 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, biological, 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 at 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 2024 of £129 million and a £8.8 million surplus. Committed, curious and compassionate, the RVC makes a difference.

After 14 successful years as President & Principal, Professor Stuart Reid will stand down from the role on the 31st of July 2025, and the RVC is seeking an outstanding individual to lead it on to even greater success. This is a career-defining opportunity of global significance to the future of veterinary science education and research.

The President & Principal is the Chief Executive and Chief Accountable Officer of the institution and is responsible to the Council for the overall academic and organisational leadership of the University. 

As leader of the RVC it is a requirement that the President & Principal possess a degree in veterinary medicine. The RVC is an institution with a global reputation, and the President & Principal will bring a significant track record of successful leadership in higher education or organisations of equivalent complexity, alongside substantial personal achievements in academic and/or research roles in a biomedical or veterinary environment. Candidates must display a strong sense of empathy with the mission, values and ethos of the RVC, and the broader veterinary profession, together with the intellectual and professional standing required to command respect in and out with the RVC community.

The RVC welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals. Applications are particularly welcomed from people from protected characteristic groups currently underrepresented in senior roles at the RVC who would further enhance the diversity of the leadership team. All candidates must be committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and be able to point to a track record of enhancing EDI in their previous leadership roles.

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Research Associate, Ellie Beveridge on ellie.beveridge@perrettlaver.com.

The closing date for applications is midnight (GMT) on Sunday 12^th January 2025.

Preliminary interviews will be held with Perrett Laver in late January / early February 2025, with formal panel interviews taking place in late February / early March 2025.

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