Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons: regulation of the veterinary profession in the United Kingdom

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is an institution based in London that acts as the regulator of the veterinary profession in the United Kingdom. Its stated mission is to protect the public interest by ensuring that animal health and welfare, as well as public health, are advanced through world-class veterinary professionals. To this end, it sets, maintains and develops the educational, ethical and clinical standards applicable to both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.

Areas of activity

The RCVS's activity covers several fronts. On the one hand, it is responsible for setting professional standards and overseeing the training and continuing development of professionals. On the other, it manages the official register of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, which includes registrations, renewals, changes of category and verification of eligibility to practise in the UK or abroad. It also carries out advisory and guidance work on professional conduct, and participates in shaping policies that safeguard animal and public health.

Services for veterinary professionals

The RCVS website organises its resources according to the user profile. For veterinary professionals, it offers access to the codes of professional conduct, supporting guidance, resources on continuing professional development (CPD), specific training for veterinary surgeons and nurses, as well as leadership and management programmes. It also has its own academy, the RCVS Academy, with online courses, and a Fellowship programme aimed at advanced development. Professionals can consult the official registers, manage their registration and obtain information on practising outside the UK.

Resources for animal owners

For animal owners, the RCVS offers tools to find veterinary surgeons and accredited practices, guidance on how to choose a veterinary practice, information on shared responsibilities, emergency and out-of-hours care, prescription medication, fees and pricing, and treatment and care. It also provides channels for sharing positive feedback or raising concerns about the veterinary care received, and has a Public Advisory Group (PAG).

Students and careers

The organisation dedicates a section to those who aspire to work in the sector, with information on how to become a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse, career case studies, work experience requirements, training routes and approved training practices. For current students, the RCVS manages the Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) and extra-mural studies (EMS).

Quality standards for practices

The RCVS administers the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), an accreditation system for veterinary practices that includes different levels, periodic assessments and training resources for assessors. Practices can apply for accreditation, consult guides on the process and access materials to promote their status as an accredited practice.

Mind Matters Initiative

Since 2015, the RCVS has funded and managed the Mind Matters Initiative (MMI), a programme focused on mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary professions, aimed at veterinary surgeons, nurses, students and practice managers. The initiative offers mental health training and continuing professional development, hosts events and awards research grants to better understand wellbeing issues in the sector. Its strategy is structured around three workstreams and has a taskforce with representatives from veterinary organisations. Internationally, Mind Matters International brings together 14 veterinary organisations committed to protecting the mental health of professionals. The initiative is led by the Director of Mind Matters, Angharad Belcher, together with the Lead, Rapinder Newton, and the Senior Officer, Sam Hurley, and chaired by Dr Zara Kennedy.

Awards and institutional activity

The RCVS presents various awards and distinctions, including the Queen's Medal, the Veterinary Nursing Golden Jubilee Award, the RCVS International Award, the RCVS Impact Award, the RCVS Inspiration Award, the Honorary Associateship, the RCVS Compassion Award, the RCVS Student Community Award and the RCVS Collaboration Award. The institution also publishes news and updates on its activity, such as its response to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) order to improve transparency for pet owners, or the launch of surveys to assess the application of its 'under care' guidance. It also organises events such as the RCVS Fellowship Day.

Location and contact

1 Hardwick Street, London, EC1R 4RB · Telephone: 020 7222 2001