Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th June 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS opens consultation on council changes
“Governance may not be the most exciting topic, but it is the foundation on which all other aspects of the college’s work rests” – Sue Paterson.
Proposals would see the end of council elections.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened a consultation on its new ‘good governance’ proposals.

The proposals would see significant changes to the way that RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses (VN) Council function, including an end to council elections.

According to the college, the recommended changes would better align the governing bodies with regulatory norms, and need to be made if there is to be legislative reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA).

The college is proposing six changes:
  • An independent appointment system to replace council elections
  • Greater lay representation on the councils so that the RCVS is not seen to be ‘setting and marking its own homework’ as regulator
  • Allowing veterinary paraprofessionals, such as veterinary technicians and clinical animal behaviourists, to becomes council members
  • Separating the role of chair of RCVS Council from the role of president
  • Removing Veterinary Schools Council appointees
  • Reducing the size of VN Council from 14 to 12 members.

The RCVS will be hosting an interactive webinar between 7pm-8pm on Tuesday, 11 June 2024 to introduce the consultation and answer any questions. A recording of the webinar will be made available.

Sue Paterson, RCVS president, said: “The current governance structure of the RCVS is set by the VSA and updating our governance systems is a vital prerequisite to getting new primary legislation, as the outdated and out-of-step nature of our current arrangements will be clear to see.

“Governance may not be the most exciting topic, but it is the foundation on which all other aspects of the college’s work rests. As a professional regulator with animal health and welfare at our heart, the RCVS has a duty to ensure that our arrangements best serve the public on whose behalf we are entrusted to regulate and uphold veterinary standards, while still maintaining veterinary input in all our decision-making processes.

“We believe these good governance proposals help us meet this mission, ensuring that we are bringing our governance in line with regulatory norms, while still recognising our unique role as a dual regulator and royal college.”

The full proposals, with a link to the consultation, can be found on the RCVS website. The deadline for responding to the consultation is 22 July 2024.

Image © RCVS

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.