Pivotal moment as Government publishes reformed veterinary legislation White Paper

Today the UK Government published a White Paper, Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector, which sets out major changes to how veterinary services will be delivered in the UK. It marks a huge milestone in BVA’s long-standing campaign to secure reform of the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA).  

This is a pivotal moment for the profession and these changes will have a significant impact on our daily work as vets, the service we provide our clients and the care we give to patients.   

As we dive into the detail, we’re pleased to see that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has listened to our recommendations as it has shaped these proposals, which for the first time, will regulate veterinary businesses and other veterinary professionals alongside vets and vet nurses.  

It also outlines a clear division of the professional leadership and regulatory functions – something we had pushed for – with transparency of funding and independent external oversight of the regulator alongside a strong and well-funded professional leadership function.  

So, what do the changes mean?   

• Regulation of veterinary and animal healthcare businesses as well as allied veterinary professionals such as equine dental technicians and farriers  

• Protection of the ‘Registered Vet Nurse’ title  

• An updated Fitness to Practise process to protect the public and animal health and welfare  

• Modernised registration by moving to a Licence to Practise system for the whole veterinary team  

• Updated role and responsibilities of the regulator to ensure there is no real or perceived conflict of interest between professional leadership and regulatory activities, with oversight of the regulator by an independent, external body.  

Defra has confirmed that it will be aiming to get parliamentary time for a draft Bill next year, which means that achieving our profession’s shared goal of a reformed VSA is now significantly closer.     

Take a look at our VSA campaign page to find out more about what Defra’s proposals will mean for you.   

We will continue engaging on behalf of our members with government and parliamentarians across the political spectrum, ensuring that the profession’s voice is heard so that the new legislation delivers for the profession, animal welfare, and the public.   

In the meantime, your support continues to be essential if we want to see a Bill introduced to Parliament next year. Visit www.bva.co.uk/vsa to find out how you can help get this over the line.