BVA pushes for holistic approach to RCVS governance reform
The recommendations were submitted as part of a consultation from RCVS on the issue.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published its recommendations for reform of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS’) governance, as it calls for a more holistic approach.
BVA has published its policy position following the closure of the regulatory body’s consultation on the issue. BVA’s response to the consultation included its recommendations, as well as highlighting the importance of them being delivered as a complete package.
Among the recommendations is the suggestion that RCVS Council members, whether veterinary or lay, should be appointed rather than elected. This would follow an open and competitive process, as well as an independent assessment against a clear set of competences.
It believes that RCVS’ regulatory governance should be more in line with the best practice that is seen in human healthcare regulations. This includes fewer council members and a more balanced composition of registrants and lay members.
It says that the college should submit to external scrutiny, against similar standards to the Professional Standards Agency, and publish the results. It should also strive for greater clarity and transparency, including organisational identities, governance and the activities it considers Royal College and Regulatory functions.
BVA recommends that allied professions which are regulated by RCVS should be able to have their own dedicated council, similar to the VN Council.
A separate, elected governing council for RCVS’ Royal College function is also recommended, which would focus on the veterinary surgeon and veterinary nursing professions. BVA suggests allied professions establish their own equivalents to the Royal College if needed.
Anna Judson, president of the BVA, said: “If we are to have a thriving veterinary profession, a new Veterinary Surgeons Act is vital and sitting alongside it we need a modern regulator with effective governance.
“BVA’s recommendations, if delivered as a holistic package, would bring greater clarity to the RCVS’ dual roles as both a regulator and a Royal College; they would improve transparency around process and decision-making, and would ensure that RCVS has the right balance of skills and experience needed to operate effectively, in line with similar modern healthcare regulators”.
The full response can be read here.
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Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
