Who we are

Our mission, as set out in the objects of our 2015 Royal Charter, is to set, uphold and advance veterinary standards, and to promote, encourage and advance the study and practice of the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine, in the interests of the health and welfare of animals and in the wider public interest.

Through this, we ensure the public has high levels of confidence, because veterinary professionals are highly competent, up to date and trusted. Ultimately, we enhance
society through improved animal health and welfare.

We support veterinary professionals to be the best that they can be, so that they can deliver the most appropriate outcomes for animal health and welfare and public health, and so that veterinary professionals themselves can have careers that are fulfilling and rewarding.

Celebrating our 175th year in 2019, we have a proud history and respect the generations of ideas and standards that have come before us. 

We will build on these to stay relevant and transformational for the generations to come, looking forward with strength in times of uncertainty and having the confidence to tackle difficult issues ahead.

While what we do is critical, it is how we do it that makes a real difference. We are proud of our values and endeavour to live up to them at all times – via our staff team, Council and committee members, examiners, assessors and other groups associated with the College.

Our Surveys of the Veterinary and Veterinary Nursing Professions 2019 show that we do demonstrate commitment to these behaviours. Our Strategic Plan supports further improvement, by putting our values at the heart of what we do – not as an afterthought – and time and resources will go into helping our teams live up to our values. Where this doesn’t happen, we commit to listen to the views of others and strive to improve and change.

Our statutory role is UK-focused, but we have a strong global footprint in our diaspora of members and international impact. We utilise technology to the best of our ability to ensure people can engage with us at a time and place of their choosing. We reach out to all of our stakeholders and service users, wherever they are, and build face-to-face connections where possible. We aim to work out of spaces that are fit for purpose, enable us to meet our objectives and present a positive face of the UK veterinary professions to the world.

Our diverse team includes our employees, our Council and committee members and a range of individuals who act on our behalf, such as examiners and assessors. We aim to
empower them to feel confident to deliver on the College’s purpose with compassion, imagination and clarity. In turn, we aim to provide them with a working environment that is inclusive, supportive, challenging and respectful, and develops each individual’s unique strengths.