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The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is pushing back against suggestions that elements of its regulatory powers be taken away.
In a report published by EFRA on June 5, concerns were raised about the effectiveness of one body running education, registration and conduct regulation, all while remaining an independent body.
In the report, EFRA said: “self-regulation is increasingly difficult to justify in a modern, complex sector, particularly as ownership structures change and non-vets play a greater role in delivering services.
“Moving to a model with independent oversight would bring the veterinary profession into line with others such as medicine and law, strengthen public confidence, and ensure the system is fit for the future.’
The RCVS has since expressed concern that these changes will weaken regulation, reduce consistency across veterinary practices and create extra and unnecessary costs.
In a statement, the RCVS said: “We are grateful to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee of the House of Commons for the work it has done in identifying and proposing measures to address threats to the sustainability of the veterinary workforce. There is much that is welcome in the report published today and we look forward to responding in full in due course.”
They added: “We are concerned, however, that one of its recommendations, to establish a new veterinary regulator to which the regulatory functions of the RCVS would be transferred, seems to be based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the current role and functions of the College.”
