Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom. Established in 1844 by Royal Charter, its statutory duties are laid out in the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act.

Role

On its website, the following roles are listed:

• 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.

Anyone who wishes to practice as a vet in the United Kingdom must first register with the RCVS. Eligibility for registration is based either on having a recognised qualification or by passing the RCVS statutory membership examination. After registration, the vet is entitled to us the letters MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) after their name.

The Royal Charter

The 1844 Charter regulates particular aspects of the College's management of its affairs and gives it the power to award Fellowships, Diplomas and Certificates to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and others engaged in "veterinary science and its auxiliary sciences".

RCVS Practice Standards Scheme

The regulatory role of the RCVS has always meant that members of the public could rest assured that their individual vet is properly qualified and fit to practice, and now the same assurance can apply to practice premises. The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme is a voluntary initiative to accredit veterinary practices in the UK. Through setting standards and carrying out regular inspections, the Scheme aims to promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care.

The RCVS Accredited Practice Logo

RCVS Accredited practices are able to display the RCVS accredited practice logo, which indicates that the practice has undergone a rigorous, independent inspection and various minimum standards have been met.

Officials

In order to carry out its statutory duties a Council of 40 Members governs the RCVS and meets three times a year. The President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President and Treasurer are elected by Council and together with the Registrar, form a team of Officers who have the main responsibility for running the RCVS.

• President (2006/07): Professor Sheila Crispin, MA, VetMB, BSc, PhD, DVA, DVOphthal, DipECVO, FRCVS
• Registrar: Miss J C Hern
• Head of Finance: Ms Corrie McCann

Publications

• Colours and Markings of Horses (Revised 2005 and distributed by Weatherbys Bookshop)
• Directory of Veterinary Practices (Annual, published in October)
• RCVS Annual Report (Annual, published in June)
• RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct (Revised 2006)
• RCVS News (Newsletter - March/June/November)
• Register of Members (Annual, published in November)
• Veterinary Nurses List (Annual, published in March)

Address & contact details

Belgravia House, 62-64 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AF

Tel: (020) 7222 2001, Fax: (020) 7222 2004, Email: admin@rcvs.org.uk

Reference

• Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons