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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th November 2024
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BVA welcomes RCVS reform plans
“Reforming RCVS governance to ensure we have an effective regulator is an important step towards a thriving veterinary profession” – Elizabeth Mullineaux.
The proposals include an appointed council.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed plans from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to retain some elected representation in its leadership as part of the college’s proposal to move to a fully appointed council.

The plans to reform the college’s governance structure, which were approved by a vote of the RCVS Council on 7 November, will form part of the RCVS’ submission to the government on replacing the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

The vote was preceded by a six-week public consultation on the proposals. In its response to the proposals, the BVA was supportive of the move to an appointed council, but suggested that a separate council with elected members be created for the royal college function of the RCVS.

During the meeting, the council voted to explore retaining elected representation, on a future council or committee that is focused on upstream regulation and the development of the profession.

Responding to approved plans, BVA president Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Reforming RCVS governance to ensure we have an effective regulator is an important step towards a thriving veterinary profession.

“It’s good to see in the changes outlined today, that the college is listening to the profession and is taking steps towards BVA’s recommendations around greater clarity of both its regulatory and royal college functions.

“It has also responded to concerns regarding a fully appointed council, committing to explore retaining elected representation on a future council or committee focussed on the development of the profession.

“We are also pleased to see RCVS moving closer to our views on greater lay representation on council and its commitment to consider in more depth external scrutiny against similar standards to the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) and publish the outcomes of that assessment in full.”

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.