We’ve appointed a new Chair of our Board of Trustees  

Dr Susan Paterson, FRCVS has been appointed as the new Chair of the RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees. 

Sue, who is a veterinary dermatologist and an experienced charity trustee, takes up the position with immediate effect, following an election at RCVS Knowledge’s annual general meeting on Thursday 24 September. She succeeds Amanda Boag, who has held the position of chair since 2020.  

Following her appointment, Sue said:  

“Having worked closely with RCVS Knowledge as a trustee for the last three years, I have seen firsthand how their excellent resources and support for the veterinary professions have had an impact, particularly in the areas of quality improvement and evidence-based veterinary medicine.  

As I step into the chair position, I’m looking forward to working with my fellow trustees and the RCVS Knowledge team to fulfil our strategic ambitions. I’m particularly excited for the potential of our work on contextualised care to go even further in helping to advance the quality of veterinary care for animals, the public and society.”  

Chief Executive Officer of RCVS Knowledge, Katie Mantell said: 

“We are delighted to welcome Sue as Chair of the RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees. 

“Sue brings extensive experience of the veterinary sector, as well as a passion for animal welfare and deep knowledge of the charity world. She is therefore incredibly well-placed to steward our work as we look to expand our reach and impact to support even more veterinary professionals to provide evidence-based, quality care and improved animal health and welfare outcomes.” 

“I’d like to express my sincere thanks to Amanda Boag for her unwavering support and commitment over the past six years, which has seen RCVS Knowledge strengthen its profile and impact across the sector.” 

Sue Paterson is a double boarded veterinary dermatology diplomate who has previously been President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, the European Society of Veterinary Dermatology and the World Association for Veterinary Dermatology.  

Sue is currently Chair of Trustees of the Animal Charity Platform and Vice Chair of Trustees of Battersea Dogs and Cats home and sits on the Board of the Food Standards Agency.   

RCVS Knowledge also welcomes two new trustees this month, both appointed from RCVS Council.  

Dr Neil Smith, FRCVS is an experienced veterinary surgeon who has spent most of his career in the Army where he served as Director Army Veterinary and Remount Services, Queen’s Honorary Veterinary Surgeon and in a range of clinical, staff and command appointments. Neil is currently the Honorary Colonel Commandant of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and has been employed since 2023 as Veterinary Director and Military Adviser at Cresilon Inc. Neil and his wife also run a practice in Greater Manchester – The Exotic Animal Vets. 

Ian Battersby, FRCVS is a small animal internal medicine specialist, who was awarded the RCVS and European Diplomas in Small Animal Internal Medicine in 2005 and RCVS Specialist status in 2007. Ian has held a variety of senior leadership roles in the veterinary sector and supports a range of charities including Street Vet and Mission Rabies / Worldwide Veterinary Service. Ian was awarded the BSAVA Melton award in 2013 for meritorious contributions to small animal practice and was awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice (MCCP) in 2017.  

RCVS Knowledge has 12 trustees. Five of these are veterinary professionals appointed by the trustee board, four are lay trustees, and three are appointed from RCVS Council.