Feedback on our service
We aim to provide a high-quality, accessible, and responsive service. If you feel we haven’t met this standard, we want to hear from you so we can learn and improve.
This page explains how to raise a concern or share feedback about the RCVS, and where to go if your concern is about a veterinary professional.
Concerns about a veterinary professional or care
If you’re concerned about veterinary care, or the conduct or professionalism of a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse, choose the appropriate option below to get started.
I am a veterinary professional:
How to raise a concern about a vet or vet nurse
I am a member of the public:
How to raise a concern about a vet or a vet nurse
Concerns about the RCVS
If you feel the RCVS has not met the standards you expect, you should raise your concern with us in the first instance.
Please contact us by email or phone and provide as much detail as possible, including:
- what happened
- when it happened
- who was involved (if known)
- what outcome you are seeking
We will review your concern and respond as soon as possible.
Phone: 020 7202 0789 (Reception)
Email: [email protected]
Complete our feedback form below.
If you are not satisfied
If you are unhappy with our response, you may be able to escalate your concern.
The RCVS is overseen by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). Defra does not handle individual complaints about our services. However, you may wish to contact Defra if your concern relates to legislation, governance, or wider regulatory issues.
Defra Helpline:
Phone: 08459 335577
Email: [email protected]
Concerns about staff
If your concern relates to an RCVS staff member:
- Where possible, raise the issue directly with them first
- You can also ask to speak to their head of department
If the issue remains unresolved, please contact:
Lisa Hall, Director of Human Resources
Phone: 020 7202 0716
Email: [email protected]
Concerns about council members
Concerns about members of the RCVS Council or Veterinary Nurses Council should be sent to:
RCVS President
Phone 020 7202 0761
Email: [email protected]
Concerns about RCVS activities
Comments or concerns about RCVS activities, including the administrative handling of a concern, should be directed to:
Clare Paget, Registrar
Phone: 020 7202 0718
Email: [email protected]
Please note: the RCVS cannot discuss the outcome of a complaint about a veterinary professional. These decisions are made independently by the statutory committees. Appeals against Disciplinary Committee decisions can only be made to the Privy Council.
Complaints about the handling of personal data
If you think that your personal data has been mishandled, then you can make a complaint to the RCVS. This could be about the RCVS directly, or by another firm or person who deals with your personal data on behalf of the RCVS.
An example of this might be if you are dissatisfied with the way that the RCVS has responded to a subject access request, or if there has been a breach of security that has resulted in improper disclosure of your personal data.
To make a complaint please contact our Data Protection Officer, Alan Quinn-Byrne, providing as much detail as possible about what happened.
You can submit your complaint through the following channels:
Email: [email protected]
Post: 1 Hardwick Street, London, EC1R 4RB
Phone: 020 7227 3505
We will acknowledge your complaint within 30 days. Once we have received your complaint, we will investigate your concerns and keep you updated on progress. We will then let you know the final outcome and any actions taken, as soon as we can.
If you’re not satisfied with the response that you receive, you can write to the Information Commissioner.
Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Further information is available on the Information Commissioner’s Office website.
General feedback or compliments
If you'd like to share a compliment or provide general feedback, we want to hear from you. We value all feedback - both positive and constructive - as it helps us maintain the highest standards and improve our services where needed.
Email: Lizzie Lockett, Chief Executive, at [email protected].
Website feedback
If you’d like to share feedback about this website:
Complete our feedback form below, or
Email: [email protected]
Other enquiries
For all other enquiries, please visit our Contact us page to find the most appropriate team or department.
If you would prefer to write to us, our address is:
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
1 Hardwick Street
London EC1R 4RB
What happens next?
- We’ll acknowledge your complaint or feedback within three working days.
- If a full response isn’t possible within that time, we’ll explain why and let you know when to expect one.