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RCVS Council amends IELTS requirements for overseas-qualified vets
The RCVS agrees that this flexibility will facilitate further access for overseas vets without compromising the overall standard of English proficiency required.
Those wishing to apply can do so with a 6.5 or C+ grade in any one component. 

The RCVS Council has amended its English language requirements for overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons wishing to join the RCVS register.

In a vote, the council decided to introduce more flexibility into the requirements for English language testing of overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons, in order to boost the number of veterinary surgeons eligible to practice in the UK following shortages in the profession. 

Previously, any overseas-qualified veterinary surgeons wishing to sit the RCVS Statutory Examination for Membership, or apply for a full registration to practise in the UK, would require a Level 7 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or a Level B in the Occupational English Test (OET) across all components (listening/reading/writing/speaking). 

Now however, the RCVS Council, in agreement with the recommendations of the College's Registration and Education Committees, that veterinary surgeons would be able to achieve IELTS Level 6.5 or OET Level C+ in any one of the four test components, provided that the average score across all components remained at at least Level 7/B. 

This degree of flexibility is hoped to facilitate access to the RCVS Register for a larger amount of veterinary surgeons, which the RCVS considers particularly important in light of the current workforce shortages brought about by the effects of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased pet ownership. 

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk