FAQs

The PDP is based on the concept of self-assessment, and seeks to encourage graduates to have a realistic view of their professional competence. The graduate can apply for PDP completion when they have marked themselves as confident across all the PDP areas, have checked their performance against the general RCVS PDP Competences, and their record includes evidence of a broad range of experience in the species area in which they are working (either small animal, farm animal, equine practice or any combination of the three). They must then print out and sign the declaration which can be downloaded from their PDP record. Their employer or other senior MRCVS colleague will also need to countersign the form to confirm that the graduate has taken part in the process, and that they have discussed their PDP entries with them.

Employers are not asked to formally examine or assess the graduate’s PDP competence for the purposes of PDP (although, of course they will want to make a judgement about a graduate’s competence on a regular basis in order to decide the level of responsibility which they are prepared to allow them to have in the practice).

The RCVS-appointed Postgraduate Dean is available online to provide guidance to each graduate about completing their records. When the graduate claims they have achieved the PDP competences, the RCVS Postgraduate Dean will review the case records and reflective notes online, before confirming that they have completed their PDP. Once confirmed by the Postgraduate Dean, the RCVS will send a completion certificate to the graduate.

After they have completed the PDP and received their confirmation certificate from the RCVS, the graduate will not be able to add to or edit their PDP records, although they will be able to view them online if they wish. If they decide to move into a different area of practice later on, they may wish to come back to the PDP system and continue completing their records in a different species area. If they want to reactivate their PDP record, they should contact the RCVS at [email protected], explaining the background to their request. 

Attendees are split into four broad groups. The first is the Committee itself, and the people directly assisting it. For veterinary surgeon hearings, this includes 5 to 7 members who are a mix of veterinary surgeons and lay members. For Veterinary Nurse hearings, there are three members comprised of a lay person, a Registered Veterinary Nurse and a veterinary surgeon, . There will also be the Legal Assessor whose job it is to advise the DC on the relevant law. There will also be one or two DC Clerks in attendance, as well as a shorthand notetaker.

The second group is the RCVS which includes the RCVS solicitor who has been liaising with you and the external barrister who is presenting the case. There may also be other witnesses (including an expert witness).

The third group is the Respondent’s team. This includes the veterinary professional as well as any representation they have (for example a barrister, solicitor and/or someone from their professional indemnity insurers). It may also include any witnesses or experts they intend to call.

The final group is the public. DC hearings are generally open to the public, but it is quite rare that members of the public attend if they have no interest in or connection to the case. It is often those with an interest in the hearing (e.g. family members or friends). The press can also attend the hearing if they wish to.

You are being called as a witness as you have either raised concerns regarding a registered veterinary professional or are a witness to events that somebody else has raised concerns about. You will have already been interviewed and given a formal statement to RCVS’ external solicitors.

On this occasion, a decision has recently been made by the Preliminary Investigation Committee to refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee (‘DC’) for a hearing which means that those who have provided a witness statement are required to attend and give evidence.

It is important that those who have provided witness statements are available on the day of the hearing so that both parties, and the DC, have the opportunity to ask questions and better understand the incident(s) complained about.

The A-Foundations of Advanced Veterinary Practice.1 module is compulsory for all CertAVP candidates. These cover skills that the RCVS considers important for all competent veterinarians to be able to demonstrate, whatever their area of practice. The inclusion of modules covering essential key professional and clinical skills is designed to ensure that topics which are of importance to all areas of practice - including welfare and ethics, biosecurity, and evidence-based approaches to medicine - are covered by everyone achieving the qualification.

The Academy’s courses are designed to provide you with a directed learning pathway in a particular subject area. Each course will identify which veterinary professionals it is suitable for. Learning objectives will also support you to select the courses relevant to your role and learning needs.

Enrolling with the RCVS means that we will keep a record of your credits, wherever you achieve them. It also enables us to keep in touch with you and let you know about any new developments, modules or courses. Please note that you cannot earn credits towards an RCVS qualification unless you are enrolled with us.

Your annual renewal comprises of four parts;

1. Confirming your Register and correspondence details 
2. Declaring any convictions
3. Paying your annual renewal fee

Even if your employer is paying your fee or you have a Direct Debit set up, you will still need to confirm your Register details, declare any convictions  to remain Code compliant.

If the fee is not received in full before 1 June (for vets) or 1 January (for VNs) then your name will be removed from the Register and you will no longer be able to work as a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse anywhere in the UK.

Please note that, as well as it being illegal to practise in the UK whilst your name is not on the Register, any professional indemnity insurance may also be invalidated. You will also no longer be able to use the post nominal MRCVS or RVN.

As a result of concerns arising on the programme later in 2023, an accreditation event was triggered which took place in May 2024. The accreditation report showed that there was evidence that a wide range of accreditation standards were not being met by the Department in relation to the degree programme. All accreditation reports are published on our website.

Considering the Cambridge report, the RCVS Primary Qualifications Subcommittee and Education Committee agreed that the concerns about the programme were sufficiently significant that they needed to be addressed quickly, to prevent further risk to students’ learning and experience. For these reasons, on 19 November 2024 the programme was awarded ‘conditional accreditation’ with the need for the department to address the standards not currently being met by September 2025.

The Register enables an inspection regime to be implemented by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to improve traceability of Controlled Drugs and to ensure veterinary surgeons are compliant with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations. According to the VMD, this answers criticism from EU auditors and brings veterinary surgeons in line with other retail suppliers of veterinary medicinal products, who are permitted to supply only from registered premises.

You do not need to participate in the VetGDP if you are going to work abroad and you can still maintain your MRCVS. If/when you return to the UK, you will only need to participate if you have less than 18 months experience in a role similar to the one you will be undertaking on your return. If you have more than 18 months experience, you may participate in the VetGDP if you wish.