Royal Charter and legislation

The RCVS is constituted by Royal Charter, carries out functions under an Act of Parliament and makes rules, regulations and bye-laws.

In this section you can find information on the Royal Charter and the legislation under which we operate.

• Royal Charters and Bye-Laws

View the Royal Charters of 1844, 1967 and 2015, the College bye-laws, and rules made under Charter powers.

• Government legislation

View the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and other government legislation which affects the College.

• Regulations, rules and the election scheme

View regulations, rules and the election scheme made by the College under powers in the Veterinary Surgeons Act.