The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the

United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and ...

, established in 1844 by

royal charter A royal charter is a formal grant issued by a monarch under royal prerogative as letters patent. Historically, they have been used to promulgate public laws, the most famous example being the English Magna Carta (great charter) of 1215, b ...

. 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. *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

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:

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". The statutory duties of the RCVS are laid out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

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. Th
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. 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.

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. Appeals from decisions of the Disciplinary Committee are heard by the

Judicial Committee of the Privy Council The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) is the highest court of appeal for the Crown Dependencies, the British Overseas Territories, some Commonwealth countries and a few institutions in the United Kingdom. Established on 14 Aug ...

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. *President: Melissa Donald *Vice President: Kate Richards *Vice President: Sue Patterson *Treasurer: Prof Susan Dawson *Chief Executive: Ms Lizzie Lockett *Registrar: Eleanor Ferguson

Publications

*Colours and Markings of Horses (Revised 2005 and distributed b
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)

Past-Presidents

* William Hunting (1894–1895) * Orlando Charnock Bradley (1920–1922) *

John Share Jones Prof. John Share Jones , known as Dr Share Jones (25 August 1873 – 2 December 1950), was a British veterinary surgeon and briefly a Liberal Party politician. Personal life Jones was born John Thomas Jones, in Cefn Mawr, Denbighshire, the son o ...

(1928–1929) *

Thomas Dalling Sir Thomas Dalling (23 April 1892 – 23 May 1982) was a Scottish veterinarian and lifelong champion of veterinary research and education. From 1948 to 1952 he held the office of Chief Veterinary Officer to the United Kingdom. Life Dalling ...

(1949–51) *

Olga Uvarov Dame Olga Nikolaevna Uvarov (9 July 1910 – 29 August 2001) was a veterinary surgeon and clinical researcher. She was the first woman president of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She was a distinguished member of the veterinary profes ...

(1976–1977) *

Alasdair Steele-Bodger Alasdair Steele-Bodger (1 January 1924 – 17 September 2008) was a British veterinary surgeon. Life Steele-Bodger was born in Lichfield, Staffordshire, the son of Harry Steele-Bodger, also a noted vet, and the elder brother of Micky Steele-B ...

(1972–1973) * Richard Halliwell (2003–2004) *

Alexander Trees, Baron Trees Alexander John "Sandy" Trees, Baron Trees (born 12 June 1946) is a Professor of veterinary parasitology and a Crossbench member of the House of Lords. Early life Trees was born on 12 June 1946, in Middlesbrough and spent his childhood in Scu ...

(2009–2010)

References

External links

*
Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
{{Authority control Veterinary medicine in the United Kingdom 1844 establishments in the United Kingdom Health in the City of Westminster Organisations based in the United Kingdom with royal patronage Organisations based in the City of Westminster Organizations established in 1844 Veterinary Surgeons Veterinary medicine-related professional associations