Our view: RCVS governance

Effective governance forms the foundation of a well-managed and accountable organisation. This principle is vital for the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), which plays a key role in the UK veterinary professions. Governance, in this context, refers to the systems and processes that enable an organisation to operate smoothly, make informed decisions and remain accountable. Good governance within the RCVS establishes and maintains high standards, ensuring that veterinary professionals are competent and fit to practise.

The RCVS is unique in its dual functions, which set it apart from most regulators — it functions both as a Royal College, dedicated to advancing veterinary education and practice, and as a regulator, setting and upholding standards for both veterinary surgeons and Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVN).

It is important to clarify that the RCVS does not represent individual members of the veterinary professions or their collective interests; that responsibility lies with BVA and BVNA. The RCVS's primary focus is on setting and maintaining standards, rather than advocacy or representation.

As the Senior Vice President of BVA, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the RCVS over the last three years and also chairing BVA’s working group on RCVS governance reform. This experience has underscored the urgent need to modernise the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) and evolve RCVS governance, especially as it aims to become a super-regulator of vets, RVNs, allied professionals, and veterinary practices.

Regulation of allied professionals

Regulating allied professionals is an important change that is needed to shape the future of the veterinary sector and can only happen properly with legislative reform. Many, like equine dental technicians, operate in a legal grey area, leading to inconsistent standards and potential animal welfare risks. Vet techs, who support farm vets, and professionals like cattle foot trimmers, lack statutory regulation, resulting in no standardised oversight. Bringing these professionals under RCVS regulation would ensure consistent standards and accountability.

BVA's working group

Our BVA working group included representatives from various BVA committees and divisions, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), and an expert from human healthcare regulation. We first examined the current structure and governance of the RCVS, considering its dual role as a Royal College and a regulator. Understanding these roles presented some challenges, which also appears to reflect wider confusion across the profession. However, after careful consideration and having drawn important insight from other similar regulators, we concluded that RCVS needs to strive for greater clarity and transparency in its identity, purpose, structure, and governance, starting with more clearly distinguishing between its Royal College functions and regulatory duties.

Moving to an appointed RCVS Council

Our working group examined the issue of appointment vs. election for veterinary regulatory council members, acknowledging concerns from some members of the profession about removing the elected component. After careful consideration, we supported a shift to an appointed RCVS Regulatory Council to ensure members have the necessary skills and competencies for effective governance.

The current elected system does not ensure a balance of skills and experience. An independent appointment process, guided by standards similar to those set by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for human healthcare regulators, could select veterinary professionals based on merit and experience. Understandably, some vets might worry about this shift away from an election process, and it's important that the appointment system remains inclusive and transparent. It’s also important to note that whilst still appointed, a number of places on the Council will be reserved for Members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS), so veterinary surgeons will always be represented.

This would support a modernised governance structure with a smaller  Council, making it more streamlined and effective. Smaller councils with equal numbers of registrants and lay members typically provide improved accountability and transparency.

External Scrutiny

Our working group looked further at the Professional Standards Authority, which oversees and audits human healthcare regulators. We recommend that the RCVS commit to external scrutiny against similar standards to enhance transparency and trust. We believe that publishing these outcomes in full will further bolster confidence in the profession and RCVS.  

Separate elected Royal College Council

While we support an appointment process for the RCVS Regulatory Council, we are also calling for a separate, elected Royal College Council to handle Royal College functions, maintaining democracy within the profession while the appointed RCVS Regulatory Council focuses on regulatory governance. A more clearly defined dual structure within the RCVS would support both effective regulation and the advancement of veterinary professionals. We’re not, however, calling for RCVS to be split into two separate organisations.

A holistic approach

It’s vital to emphasise that these recommendations should be seen as an integrated package of measures that work together. Our working group did not believe that isolated adjustments or piecemeal changes would be sufficient to address the systemic changes needed alongside a new Veterinary Surgeons Act. A comprehensive, holistic approach is essential to ensure that the reforms are effective and future-proof.

Failing to reform the RCVS governance structure in conjunction with legislative reform could lead to inadequate governance to support the changes that are needed. Without a merit-based appointment system, the regulatory Council may be ill-equipped to handle the evolving challenges and complexities of the veterinary sector. Additionally, without embracing both external scrutiny and increased transparency, public trust in the veterinary professions could be eroded.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BVA's recommendations for RCVS governance reform aim to modernise the organisation and improve transparency, representation, and effectiveness. However, it’s crucial to understand that these measures must be adopted as a cohesive, integrated package. Only by implementing these recommendations together can we ensure the RCVS is a modern, fit-for-purpose regulator and a Royal College capable of meeting the evolving needs of both the veterinary professions and the public.