The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is today [22 January 2025] announcing the appointment of a new Registrar and Director of Legal Services, the most senior legal officer within the RCVS.
Clare Paget, who is currently the General Dental Council’s (GDC) Interim Executive Director for Legal and Governance, will be joining the RCVS at the end of March 2025. A qualified solicitor, Clare started her practice as a Solicitor Advocate in criminal law, before undertaking roles in regulatory bodies in the healthcare and financial sector. She joined the GDC in March 2023 and started her current role there in March 2024.
Clare was appointed by the RCVS following a robust two-stage process involving members of the RCVS Officer Team and Senior Staff, with the decision being ratified by RCVS Council, the governing body of the College.
Commenting on the appointment, RCVS Chief Executive Officer Lizzie Lockett said: “We are delighted that Clare will be joining as Registrar at the end of March. I am sure the RCVS, the professions and the public will benefit from her very relevant experience from senior roles within the General Dental Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, and Financial Conduct Authority, as well as her private sector legal experience.
“She joins the College at a time of change, with our continued push for new veterinary legislation, the ongoing Competition and Markets Authority investigation of the sector, and a new strategic plan for the College due to be approved this spring.
“The Registrar is the senior legal figure within the organisation, and I am looking forward to Clare contributing her legal expertise on these significant areas of work. She joins our very capable legal team, who I am sure will benefit from her leadership, as she will benefit from their sector expertise.”
Clare added: “I am delighted to join the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons to contribute to the valuable work of safeguarding the interests of the public and animals by supporting veterinary professionals to provide the highest standards of care. This year is likely to be an especially busy time for the RCVS and I am looking forward to working with the team to ensure the continued success of the veterinary professions in the UK.”
As Registrar and Director of Legal Services, Clare will have a dual role as the College’s senior legal officer. As Registrar she will be responsible for keeping, maintaining and publishing Registers of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, including oversight of the various mechanisms via which veterinary professionals can join the Register, what they need to do to stay on the Registers, how they may leave or be removed and registration appeals.
As Director of Legal Services, she will provide leadership and guidance on a wide range of legal matters within the organisation, including guiding RCVS Council through the development of oral and written legal advice, as well as sitting on committees and working groups in order to ensure the College’s activity is within its legal remit and represents best practice.