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RVNs could become PSS assessors
vn
Currently only veterinary surgeons can become assessors.
Nick Stace hints at change during council meeting
 
Veterinary nurses may be recruited as 'assessors' for the revamped Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), it emerged at a recent meeting of the VN Council.

RCVS chief executive Nick Stace said the council could push the college harder on this point, hinting that discussions could take place before the five-year review of the scheme.

The new scheme is set to launch at London Vet Show in November. Among numerous changes, 'assessors' have replaced the 'inspectors' of old.

In recruiting the new team of 18 assessors, Mr Stace said the college has "set a different culture" by appointing those with the right attitude - putting the emphasis on support, rather than bureaucracy.

Currently only veterinary surgeons can become assessors, though VN Council chair Liz Cox said she has previously called for this to be changed.

Speaking at the meeting in Telford, ahead of BVNA Congress, Liz pointed out that often nurses are in charge of organising scheme membership, yet they are not allowed to become assessors.

This was set for review after the new scheme had been in place for five years, but Mr Stace said during the meeting that it could happen before.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.