BVA supports UK Government’s legislative reform proposals but raises concerns about governance

In its response to the UK Government’s consultation on reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA), the British Veterinary Association (BVA) is supportive of the vast majority of recommendations that would significantly change how veterinary professionals go about their daily work, as well as how they are regulated and governed in the future.  

BVA has made clear that it broadly supports most of the proposals, including:  

• Regulation of allied veterinary professionals such as veterinary technicians, equine dental technicians, cattle hoof trimmers and behaviourists 

• Recognition and protection of titles for all regulated professions within the vet team, including the protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title 

• Regulation of veterinary and animal healthcare businesses 

• Replacement of the existing out-of-date disciplinary process with a modern fitness to practise regime 

However, BVA has expressed concern about the proposed governance model, which would involve retaining a ‘Royal College that regulates’, as it does not currently deliver clear separation of regulatory and professional leadership functions. BVA also has concerns about the alternative model as set out in the consultation, which would involve the RCVS becoming solely a regulator, as there is no clear plan for ensuring continued provision and adequate funding of the professional leadership functions. The consultation document also fails to fully explain to what extent any separation of functions would be enshrined in legislation.  

BVA has expressed disappointment that Defra did not consult on a third governance model, under which the RCVS’s regulatory functions would be transferred to a ‘new’ regulatory body (for example a ‘Veterinary Services Council’), with RCVS retaining its professional leadership functions.

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said:  

“We’re on the cusp of significant and exciting changes for the veterinary professions and BVA supports most of Defra’s proposals that will finally bring the Veterinary Surgeons Act in line with modern veterinary practice. From the introduction of regulation of veterinary businesses and allied professionals to the protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title and a more modern fitness to practice regime, these measures will have a significant positive impact on our ability to do our jobs effectively and provide the public with greater trust in the veterinary professions.

“However, we do have some concerns about some of the proposals, particularly around governance. For the reformed veterinary legislation to achieve its aims, we need an effective regulator whose remit is clear and trusted by both the public and the professions. Defra’s proposed models for governance fail either to fully explain to what extent the separation of regulatory and professional leadership functions would be enshrined in legislation, or how it would ensure continued provision and adequate funding for these. That’s why we’re calling on Defra to engage in further discussions with BVA, RCVS, BVNA and other key stakeholders on this issue. It’s vital that we get this right.”

BVA’s consultation response can be viewed online.