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New RCVS Head of Legal Services/Registrar
Gordon Hockey appointed

The RCVS has announced that Gordon Hockey has been appointed Head of Legal Services/Registrar, to work alongside new Chief Executive and Secretary, Nick Stace.

A qualified barrister and pharmacist, Gordon has been at the RCVS for the last 14 years. He was previously Head of Professional Conduct and Assistant Registrar and has been filling the role of Acting Registrar since November 2011.

Both Mr Hockey's new role and that of Chief Executive and Secretary were newly created after the old post of Registrar Secretary was split in two. The appointment is subject to formal ratification at the November Council meeting.

Nick Stace, who commenced his role on Monday 3rd September, said “I am delighted that Gordon’s is my first appointment as Chief Executive, and I am grateful that he held the fort so well for the last nine months. I look forward to working with him to ensure that the RCVS is in the best shape possible to meet the needs of the public and the veterinary team.”

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.