BVA seeks views on OV revalidation process

This is following concerns that frustration with the current process could exacerbate capacity and capability issues in this critical section of the workforce.

The short survey, which has been emailed to BVA members this week, asks respondents to confirm which OCQ(V)s they currently hold or previously held: qualifications across a range of areas which OVs need to demonstrate and renew at intervals to receive authorisation to practise in the UK.  They are also asked to give reasons if they have chosen to drop a particular qualification without revalidating it.

Members have raised concerns via BVA’s Council about the OV training and revalidation process, with reasons including time, cost, a lack of relevance and duplication of learning across different modules cited for choosing not to renew their qualifications.  BVA plans to take the data and insights captured in the survey to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and make recommendations for how the system can be made more user-friendly and fit for purpose.

John Fishwick, BVA President, said: “Official Veterinarians have a critical role to play in upholding high standards of health and welfare across the supply chain, certifying products for export and safeguarding against disease and food fraud.  We are already aware that this area is facing significant challenges as Brexit is likely to drive up demand for product certification.

“It is particularly worrying to hear that members are finding the system both frustrating and resource-intensive.  Losing skilled professionals now at a time when they are needed most would be a real waste of specialist knowledge and could leave gaps in the UK’s provision for responding to disease outbreaks and meeting export certification needs post-Brexit.

“We understand and support the need to keep veterinary skills up to date, but the process for demonstrating this must be straightforward and proportionate.  BVA will ensure that all insights offered by respondents are raised with APHA with the aim of getting the system right for OVs working in the UK both now and in the future.”

BVA members can access the survey online. The deadline for responding is 29 June 2018.