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.
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

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

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."