RCVS Council agrees to new accreditation standards
The new standards are designed to ensure the accreditation process remains fit for purpose.
RCVS Council members have voted in favour of new standards for accreditation and methodology for veterinary degrees.
The new standards, set to be implemented in January 2023, have been developed by the Accreditation Review Working Party (ARWP), following consultation with the profession and interviews with relevant stakeholders.
Specific changes include an increased focus on evidence of positive ‘outcomes’ relating to the standards rather than ‘input’ measures or processes alone. There will also be a greater focus on clinical education work in the ‘general practice’ context, which must now make up at least 70 per cent of vet students’ studies.
The standards were approved at a meeting of the RCVS Council on Thursday (11 November). However, some members raised concerns over the definition of ‘general practice’ and a lack of clarity about the transition period.
RCVS Education Committee chair, Dr Sue Paterson, said: “I want to thank Council members for a robust debate on the proposed accreditation standards. However, I am glad that Council voted to support these proposals, and I’m confident that their implementation will be a huge asset to the veterinary profession.
“We recognise there is a need to clearly define specific terms within the standards such as ‘general practice context’ and to provide guidance around what a transition period to the full implementation of the standards will look like. These areas will now be discussed further with our Primary Qualifications Subcommittee and Education Committee.”
The landmark changes, designed to ensure the accreditation process remains fit for purpose, are the result of two years of research and development by the RCVS.
Between 2018 and January 2019, the Graduate Outcomes consultation sought views from the profession on how veterinary students are educated and trained and how recent graduates are prepared and supported into life in practice.
Results from this consultation formed a substantial evidence base for the proposed accreditation changes. The RCVS carried out a review of the published evidence and conducted interviews with veterinary schools, employers, veterinary graduates and other professional regulators.
The College said that it is committed to working with schools to support them as they work towards meeting the new requirements.
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
