Following a recent decision by the Preliminary
Investigation Committee (PIC) of the RCVS to close a case involving its Junior Vice-President (JVP) Professor
David Argyle, Professor Argyle has announced his personal decision to resign
from RCVS Council with immediate effect and, in so doing, to relinquish his
position as JVP.
The PIC decision to take no further action marks the
conclusion of its investigation into a concern that was raised formally last
November involving allegations of bullying at Professor Argyle’s workplace, the
University of Edinburgh.
Professor Argyle, who had previously
decided to step aside from his JVP and Council duties until the
concern was investigated and concluded, said: “Despite this outcome from the
PIC discussions, I have now made the challenging decision to stand down from my
position at the RCVS. This is to ensure there is no further distraction to the
College’s important work and activities and that whoever becomes the next JVP
has the full support of Council and RCVS members.
“It is also to reduce the toll this situation has taken on
my family, colleagues and students, and on me personally. I am proud and
privileged to have served on RCVS Council for nearly ten years and wish it well
as it navigates the next chapter in its history.”
RCVS President Mandisa Greene said: “I appreciate that this
has been an exceptionally difficult situation and very upsetting for all
involved.
“I understand why David has taken the difficult decision to
stand down from RCVS Council and would like to thank him for his many years of
service to the RCVS since joining Council in 2012.
“I would also like to reassure colleagues once again that,
throughout, the College has remained firmly committed to following due, proper
and fair process in all its regulatory activities.”
Following Professor Argyle’s decision to step down, the
process for electing a new JVP for the current presidential year will commence.
As Professor Argyle was a Veterinary Schools Council appointee on RCVS Council,
it will be for that body to elect a replacement Council member. Further details
will be announced in due course.
