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The RCVS is the 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 distinct 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.
The RCVS was established in 1844 by Royal Charter (see RCVS History) to be the governing body of the veterinary profession. Its statutory duties are currently laid out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The RCVS safeguards the interests of the public and animals by ensuring that only those registered with the RCVS can carry out acts of veterinary surgery.
In order to carry out its statutory duties a Council of 40 Members governs the RCVS and meets three times a year.
The breakdown of members is as follows:
- 24 members: elected to Council by the profession itself (in May of each year - results 2006)
- 12 members: 2 each nominated to Council by each of the six UK Veterinary Schools
- 4 members: appointed by the Privy Council
Council is supported by a system of Committees. RCVS policy issues put forward by working parties or the secretariat go first to Committees for recommendation and, if recommended, on to Council for approval or rejection. The terms of reference are laid in in the general administration bye-laws. (PDF 109Kb) Some decisions are delegated to Committees, but Council does receive reports of all Committees.
The President, Senior Vice-President, Junior Vice-President and Treasurer are elected by Council from its number. Together with the Registrar, they form a team of Officers and have the main responsibility for running the RCVS.
Full table of Council and Committee members (July 2006 to July 2007)
The Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966)
The Royal Charter (1967)
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