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Council members conflicted over registrable degrees
qualifications
The education committee recommended it be made responsible for registrable degrees.
Delegation to the education committee to be discussed in November

At its recent meeting on June 5, the RCVS Council were unable to agree on whether to delegate decisions on registrable degrees to the education committee.

In paragraph 20 of the council papers, the committee recommends that it be made “responsible for all decisions on the recognition of registrable degrees”.

Currently, this is a duty of the council and the committee can only make recommendations on changes to the approved statuses of degrees.

Council members were divided on the issue, with 17 in favour of delegating this power to the education committee, 11 against the proposal and and seven abstentions.

There was then some debate as to whether or not to count the abstentions and Richard Stephenson proposed that the matter be discussed at the next meeting with the papers.

Councillor Chris Gray said: “I sense there are a number of us feeling conflicted so I would support Mr Stephenson's suggestion that we bring the matter forward with papers.”

As a result, RCVS president Neil Smith agreed that a paper would be brought to the next council meeting in November. Meanwhile, the recommendation has been removed from the papers.

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.