RCVS

All our vets are RCVS members, which is one of the requirements to be in practice. The RCVS is a regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK.

Its role is:

• To safeguard the health and welfare of animals committed to veterinary care through the regulation of the educational, ethical and clinical standards of the veterinary profession, thereby protecting the interests of those dependent on animals and assuring public health
• To act as an impartial source of informed opinion on animal health and welfare issues and their interaction with human health

In effect, the RCVS is made up of three different organisations:

The RCVS as a statutory regulator: Undertaking the statutory responsibilities set out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 – to maintain a register of veterinary surgeons eligible to practise in the UK; to regulate veterinary education and to regulate professional conduct.

The RCVS as ‘a Royal College’: Exercising powers under the Royal Charter to award Fellowships, Diplomas and Certificates to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and others, and to act as an informed and impartial source of opinion on veterinary matters.

RCVS Trust: A separate charity established to promote and advance the study and practice of the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine - by providing the RCVS Library and Information Service and a range of grants largely to support educational and research activities.