FAQs

You must hold a veterinary qualification which would entitle you to register as a member of the RCVS, and you must have at least one year's experience working as a practising veterinary surgeon before enrolling for any module and be able to provide evidence of CPD for that period. If you graduated in 2007 or later, you will be expected to have completed the PDP or VetGDP before enrolling for any modules.

Once you have finished giving your evidence, you will be released as a witness and are free to go about your day. If you want to, you can watch the rest of the hearing. However, as mentioned above, we ask that you do not speak to anyone about your evidence until the DC has announced its final decision regarding the whole case.

Just let us know. You can change your mind about which modules to do at any time, but you should let the RCVS know, so we can keep track of your achievements. Call the Education Department on 020 7202 0778 or email [email protected].

If the DC has decided that the appropriate sanction is suspension or removal, a letter will be sent to the veterinary professional which explains what happens next. There is a right of appeal so the suspension/removal order will not take effect until the 28 day appeal period has elapsed and the letter sent to the veterinary professional will make these dates clear.

If the veterinary professional does not appeal, they will then be removed from the register (either temporarily or permanently) and no longer appear on our ‘Find a Vet/Vet Nurse’ function on our website. If the individual has been suspended, they will automatically be reinstated to the register once the suspension period is complete. If the individual has been removed, they are entitled to apply for restoration to the register 10 months after they have been removed. Restoration applications are heard in formal hearings in front of the DC.

If the veterinary professional has appealed, they will remain on the register until the conclusion of the appeal.

You will be informed of the outcome once the hearing has concluded. You will be able to view a copy of the decision and a press release on the website should you wish to learn more.

You will also be able to claim back your expenses. Please complete the claim form and return it to us alongside all of your receipts. If you do not have a copy of the form or have any issues, do let us know.

Once you arrive, someone will come to see you and discuss how the day will work in more detail. Ideally, you will also be shown the hearing room so you can familiarise yourself with it before you give evidence. You may also be introduced to the barrister for the RCVS so you can meet them prior to giving evidence.

One of the DC Clerks will come collect you when you have been called to give your evidence. You will enter the room and be directed to the witness chair. The first thing that will happen is that everyone will be introduced to you. You will then be asked whether you wish to swear an oath on a religious text or take a non-religious affirmation (it does not matter which one you choose). You will then be asked to repeat the words of the oath or affirmation after the Legal Assessor.

Once you have taken your oath/affirmation, the RCVS barrister will address you. You will usually be asked to confirm your name and that the document in front of you is your witness statement. You will then be asked if you have had the opportunity to read your statement recently and whether there are any changes to be made (e.g. name or job role changes). This is why we ask that you let us know about any possible changes in advance. Finally, you will be asked to confirm whether the statement is true to the best of your knowledge and belief. That then concludes your evidence for the RCVS. This is because your written witness statement (and any oral evidence) is your primary evidence, and everyone involved in the hearing will already be familiar with it.

A designated certificate is a specific modular route leading to a named qualification - for example CertAVP (Equine Stud Medicine) or CertAVP (Small Animal Practice). To obtain a designated certificate, you will need to choose your modules carefully from a limited list. Most designated certificates will also require a separate final assessment (synoptic assessment) once all the modules have been passed.

A T28 exemption certificate is what practices need in order to be able to denature controlled drugs for disposal in compliance with the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. Practices can register for the exemption online through the Environment Agency here. Some corporate bodies will register all their practices, and other practices will need to do so on an individual basis. The registration process is free of charge and lasts for 3 years.

Having a T28 certificate does not change the requirements for witnessed destruction.

The CertAVN will allow RVNs to gain an accredited qualification at graduate level, whereas the DipAVN was at undergraduate level.

The CertAVN also comprises fewer credits allowing for a potentially shorter programme and more specific modular content.