How we work

Here at the RCVS, improving animal health and welfare by advancing the ethical, professional and clinical standards of the veterinary profession is at the heart of all our work.

We set the standards for and monitor the quality of veterinary education; we hold Registers of those vets and veterinary nurses who are qualified to practise; we set professional standards for vets and veterinary nurses; and we help practices raise their standards through our Practice Standards Scheme.

The role of the RCVS

Activities

As a statutory regulator we are responsible under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for keeping the register of veterinary surgeons eligible to practise in the UK, setting standards for veterinary education and regulating the professional conduct of veterinary surgeons.

We also exercise powers under our Royal Charter to award Fellowships, Diplomas and Certificates to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and others. You can find out more about this under our Royal Charter and legislation section.

RCVS Knowledge is a separate charity established to promote and advance the study and practice of the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine, by providing the RCVS Library and Information Service and a range of grants largely to support educational and research activities.

History

The RCVS was established in 1844 by Royal Charter (visit the RCVS Knowledge website to see (The history of the RCVS) to be the governing body of the veterinary profession. Our statutory duties are currently laid out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.

We safeguard the interests of the public and animals by ensuring that only those registered with us can carry out acts of veterinary surgery.

Concerns