Committees, subcommittees and groups

As a professional body, strong governance is essential. The RCVS operates through a comprehensive governance structure of specialised committees, subcommittees, and working groups, overseeing everything from veterinary education to professional standards. Our expert panels, made up of Council members and appointed specialists, work together to ensure veterinary care in the UK stays safe, effective, and up to date.

Below, you can find links to pages for specific committees and councils, including their subcommittees and working groups. Each page provides details on membership, terms of reference, and current activities.

On this page

Standing committees

Standing committees are permanent, non-statutory parts of the RCVS governance structure. They report directly to the RCVS Council and play a vital role in supporting its work.

Each committee helps the Council deliver effective oversight, shape strategy, and develop policy across key areas of veterinary regulation and professional standards.

Advancement of the Professions Committee

Co-ordinates and develops activities that help to advance the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions, and which are underpinned by our Royal Charter.

Fellowship Board

Fellowship Credentials Panels

Fellowship Science Advisory Panel

Mind Matters Initiative Taskforce

Audit and Risk Committee

Supports the RCVS Council by checking that the right safeguards and processes are in place, so the Council can be confident it is doing its job properly.

Education Committee

Sets the policy for veterinary education and training, registration requirements, Continued Professional Development (CPD), and the recognition of RCVS Advanced Practitioners and Specialists.

Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice Subcommittee

Primary Qualifications Subcommittee

Specialist Recognition Subcommittee

VetGDP and CPD Compliance Subcommittee

VetGDP and CPD Engagement Group

Finance and Resources Committee

Ensures the RCVS has the right finances, resources and governance in place to operate effectively.

Hardwick Street Refurbishment Group - advises on the 10-year refurbishment plan for our Hardwick Street premises.

Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee

The Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) and Disciplinary Committee (DC) Liaison Committee are channels for communication between the Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees and the Officer Team. They discuss policy issues in connection with the supervision of professional conduct.

Registration Committee

Responsible for the registration of veterinary and veterinary nurses to the RCVS.

Standards Committee

Responsible for providing advice and guidance on the professional conduct of veterinary surgeons and nurses.

Certification Subcommittee

Ethics Review Panel

Practice Standards Group

Routine Veterinary Practice Subcommittee

Riding Establishments Subcommittee

Veterinary Nurses Council

Responsible for all matters relating to veterinary nurse training, post-qualification awards and the registration of qualified veterinary nurses.

Veterinary Nurse Education Committee

Statutory Committees

These committees carry out our legal responsibilities for professional regulation and enforcement.

Disciplinary Committee
Acts as a tribunal for serious disciplinary issues involving veterinary surgeons.
Charter Case Committee
An independent committee for resolving issues outside of a Disciplinary Committee hearing.
Preliminary Investigation Committee
Investigates and assesses concerns raised about vets and decides whether to refer them to the Disciplinary Committee.
Veterinary Nurse Disciplinary Committee
Deals with professional misconduct cases involving vet nurses.
Veterinary Nurse Preliminary Investigation Committee
Investigates and assesses concerns about veterinary nurses and decides whether they should be referred to the VN Disciplinary Committee.

Appeals committees

These committees ensure fairness and due process by reviewing decisions made in regulatory matters.

Accreditation Appeals Committee
Deals with appeals related to RCVS Accreditations of veterinary degrees or VN educational programmes, following review by PQSC/Education Committee/VN Education Committee, as appropriate.
Examinations Appeals Committee
Handles appeals relating to the conduct of examinations administered by the College.
Specialist Recognition and Advanced Practitioner Appeals Committee
Determines appeals relating to recognition of Specialists and Advanced Practitioners.