Our publications explained

We produce a wide variety of publications, brief summaries of which are set out below, including their frequency and how you can obtain copies.

RCVS News

RCVS News is our official newsletter for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, which is emailed to all members on a monthly basis.

It contains latest news, articles on advice, education and events, features, guest columns, reports on disciplinary cases and updates from RCVS Knowledge.

Download a text-only version from our publications section.

RCVS News Extra

RCVS News Extra is a shorter version of RCVS News that normally focuses on a single issue.

It is published on an ad hoc basis in between the normal editions of RCVS News.

Download from our publications section.

RCVS Annual Report and Financial Statements (formerly known as RCVS Review)

RCVS Annual Report sets out the achievements of the year and presents our financial accounts, set out in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recognised Practice.

It is published in June and is available (for free) upon request. The Annual Report is formally approved by our members at the Annual General Meeting part of RCVS Day. 

Download from our publications section.

RCVS Facts

RCVS Facts provides facts and figures on everything from the number of UK veterinary students, through the distribution of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses across the country, to information about our concerns investigation and disciplinary processes.

It is published on an annual basis and is available to download from our publications section.

RCVS Register of Members

Please note this publication has been discontinued.

The RCVS Register of Members is required by the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and represents a key reference work for the veterinary profession in the UK.

The final edition was published in 2018.

Veterinary surgeons' registration details, along with lists of Specialists and Advanced Practitioners, can be found using our 'Find a Vet' service.

RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons

The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons replaces the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct. It sets out the ethical code for members of the RCVS and contains advice about professional behaviour, but it does not prescribe rules.

The Code is principles-based and easily accessible. To expand on and clarify the professional responsibilities in the Code, 29 chapters of supporting guidance are available on the website.

The pocket-sized hard copy of the Code was posted to all veterinary surgeons in April 2012 and is given to all new veterinary surgeons upon registration. A PDF version of the Code and supporting guidance combined is also available to download.

RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses

The RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses replaces the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses. It sets out the ethical code for members of the RCVS and contains advice about professional behaviour, but it does not prescribe rules.

The Code is principles-based and easily accessible. To expand on and clarify the professional responsibilities in the Code, 29 chapters of supporting guidance are available on the website.

The pocket-sized hard copy of the Code was posted to all veterinary nurses in May 2012 and is given to all new veterinary nurses upon registration. A PDF version of the Code and supporting guidance combined is also available to download.

VN Education

VN Education is a specialist publication aimed at all those involved in the training and education of student veterinary nurses, including training practices (TPs), awarding organisations and further and higher education institutions.

It is published and distributed twice a year.

Download from our publications section.

Survey Reports

RCVS Surveys of the Veterinary Professions (previously 'Manpower Surveys' - first commissioned in 1998) examine the profile of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions and anticipate future trends.

Copies may be downloaded (for free) from our publications section.

REIN (The Riding Establishment Inspectors' Newsletter)

REIN is a specialist publication aimed at veterinary surgeons on the List of Riding Establishment Inspectors who are responsible for inspecting all businesses and premises offering horses and other equines for hire.

Copies may be downloaded for free from our publications section.

VN Register

Please note this publication has been discontinued.

This publication provided a full alphabetical listing of qualified veterinary nurses.

Nurses listed within this document are entitled under Schedule 3 to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 to practise certain aspects of veterinary surgery under the direction of a registered veterinary surgeon.

The final edition was published in 2012.

Veterinary nurses' registration details can be found using our 'Find a Vet Nurse' service.

RCVS Directory of Practices

Please note this publication has been discontinued.

The RCVS Directory of Veterinary Practices listed veterinary practices by region and indicated each practice's main areas of activity, whether it offered any specialisms and whether it was accredited under the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme.

The final edition was published in 2010.

You can use our 'Find a Vet Practice' service to look up veterinary practices.