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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.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.