As the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), our 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 veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, thereby protecting the interests of those dependent on animals, and assuring public health. We also act as an impartial source of informed opinion on relevant veterinary matters.
Three organisations in one
In effect the RCVS is made up of three distinct organisations:
- A statutory regulator: undertaking the statutory responsibilities set out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, we maintain a register of veterinary surgeons eligible to practise in the UK; set standards of veterinary education; and, regulate professional conduct;
- A 'Royal College': we exercise powers under our Royal Charter to award Fellowships, Diplomas and Certificates to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and others, and act as an informed and impartial source of opinion on veterinary matters; and,
- RCVS Charitable 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.
History
The RCVS was established in 1844 by Royal Charter (see The history of the RCVS) to be the governing body of the veterinary profession. Our statutory duties are currently laid out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
We safeguard the interests of the public and animals by ensuring that only those registered with us can carry out acts of veterinary surgery.
RCVS Council & Committees
Our statutory and Charter duties are steered and governed by a Council of 40 members that meets three times a year.
The breakdown of Council members is as follows:
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24 members: elected to Council by the profession itself (in May of each year)
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14 members: two nominated to Council by each of the seven UK Veterinary Schools
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4 members: appointed by the Privy Council
Council is supported by a system of Committees. Our 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 out in the General Administration Bye-Laws 2009 (see 'Related documents' top right). Some decisions are delegated to Committees, but Council does receive reports of all Committees.
View Council and Committee members
RCVS Officers
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.