Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

{{short description|Professional association based in the United Kingdom}}

{{Infobox organization

| name = Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

| leader_title = President

| leader_name = Melissa Donald

| website = {{URL|https://www.rcvs.org.uk/home/|official website}}

}}

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the United Kingdom, established in 1844 by royal charter. It is responsible for monitoring the educational, ethical and clinical standards of the veterinary profession. Anyone wishing to practice as a vet in the United Kingdom must be registered with the RCVS.

Role

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.{{Cite web |title=Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) |url=https://www.chea.org/international-directory/royal-college-veterinary-surgeons |last=Lockett |first=Lizzie |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=Council for Higher Education Accreditation}}{{Cite web |title=Client expectations are a major concern for vets |url=https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/client-expectations-are-a-major-concern-for-vets-879685 |last=Murray |first=Becky |date=2024-12-25 |website=Horse and Hound}}
To act as an impartial source of informed opinion on animal health and welfare issues and their interaction with human health.{{cite web |url=http://www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/the-role-of-the-rcvs/ |title=The role of the RCVS |work=Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons |access-date=11 May 2016}}

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 use the letters MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) or FRCVS (Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) after their name.

During the ceremony of admission to the RCVS, members make a declaration:{{Cite web |title=Veterinary Oaths |url=https://onewelfare.sydney.edu.au/veterinary-oaths/ |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=University of Sydney |quote=I promise and solemnly declare that I will pursue the work of my profession with integrity and accept my responsibilities to the public, my clients, the profession and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and that ABOVE ALL my constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to my care.}}

{{cquote|I PROMISE AND SOLEMNLY DECLARE that I will pursue the work of my profession with integrity and accept my responsibilities to the public, my clients, the profession and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and that, ABOVE ALL, my constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to my care.}}

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.{{Cite web |title=Royal Charters and Bye-Laws |url=https://www.rcvs.org.uk/how-we-work/royal-charter-and-legislation/royal-charter-and-bye-laws/ |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons |quote=The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was created by and still exists by virtue of a Royal Charter of 1844.}}

The statutory duties of the RCVS are laid out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.{{Cite web |title=Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 |url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1966/36#:~:text=An%20Act%20to%20make%20fresh,misconduct%3B%20and%20for%20connected%20purposes. |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=legislation.gov.uk}}

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 practise, and now the same assurance can apply to practice premises. The [http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/InternalHome.asp?NodeID=94628 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.

Image:RCVS Practice Standards Scheme- Accredited Practice mark.jpg

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.{{Cite web |title=RCVS Practice Standards Scheme |url=https://theveterinarysurgery.com/information/rcvs-practice-standards-scheme |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=The Veterinary Surgery}}

The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

The Disciplinary Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons hears charges against veterinary surgeons accused of serious professional misconduct or being unfit to practice because of a criminal conviction.{{Cite web|title=Disciplinary Committee|url=https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/committees/disciplinary-committee/|access-date=2022-01-31|website=Professionals|language=en}}

Appeals from decisions of the Disciplinary Committee are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.{{Cite web|title=Role of the JCOC|url=https://www.jcpc.uk/about/role-of-the-jcpc.html|access-date=January 30, 2022|website=Judicial Committee of the Privy Council}}

Officials

In order to carry out its statutory duties a council of 33 members governs the RCVS and meets eight times a year. The President, vice-presidents (two), and Treasurer are elected by Council and together with the Chief Executive and Head of Legal Services/Registrar, form a team of officers who have the main responsibility for running the RCVS.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/rcvs-council/presidential-team/|title=Presidential Team|website=Professionals|language=en|access-date=2019-03-16}}

President: Melissa Donald{{Cite web |title=New RCVS President promises a presidential year focused on listening and engagement |url=https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/new-rcvs-president-promises-a-presidential-year-focused-on/ |access-date=2022-09-20 |website=RCVS}}
Vice President: Kate Richards {{cite web |title=Past-Presidents |url=https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/rcvs-council/past-presidents/ |access-date=19 July 2020 |website=RCVS |language=en}}
Vice President: Sue Patterson
Treasurer: Prof Susan Dawson
Chief Executive: Lizzie Lockett{{cite web |title=Lizzie Lockett |url=https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/the-senior-team/lizzie-lockett/ |website=RCVS |access-date=19 July 2020}}
Registrar: Eleanor Ferguson{{cite web |title=Eleanor Ferguson |url=https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/the-senior-team/eleanor-ferguson/ |website=RCVS |access-date=19 July 2020}}

Publications

Colours and Markings of Horses (revised 2005 and distributed by [https://web.archive.org/web/20060524132358/http://www.weatherbys-bookshop.com/ Weatherbys Bookshop]){{Cite book |title=Colours and markings of horses |date=1985-05-05 |publisher=Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons |year=1985 |isbn=9780852361566 |location=United Kingdom |language=English |oclc=606007103}}{{Cite web |title=Colours and markings of horses |url=https://search.worldcat.org/title/14995981 |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=WorldCat}}
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)

Past-Presidents

James Beart Simonds (1862–3–?)
William Hunting (1894–1895){{cite web |title=William Hunting, FRCVS, President (1894–1895) |url=https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/william-hunting-frcvs-president-18941895-216026 |website=Art UK |access-date=19 July 2020 }}
Orlando Charnock Bradley (1920–1922)
John Share Jones (1928–1929){{cite journal |title=John Share Jones. Obituary |journal=British Veterinary Journal |date=February 1951 |volume=107 |issue=2 |pages=76.e1–83 |doi=10.1016/S0007-1935(17)52368-4 |doi-access=}}
Thomas Dalling (1949–51)
Olga Uvarov (1976–1977)
Judy MacArthur Clark (1992-1993){{cite web |title=Past-Presidents |url=https://www.rcvs.org.uk/who-we-are/rcvs-council/past-presidents |publisher=The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons |access-date=24 January 2023}}
Alasdair Steele-Bodger (1972–1973)
Richard Halliwell (2003–2004)
Alexander Trees, Baron Trees (2009–2010)