Information Commissioner supports RCVS publication decision

The Information Commissioner has supported our decision not to publish the Overspend Review Group’s report in full.

The verdict follows two challenges to our decision, one made by the British Veterinary Association and a second by a member of the College.

Our original decision not to publish in full was based on two sets of external legal advice that to do so would be unlawful under the provisions of the Data Protection Act. We have published the recommendations from the Report (otherwise known as the McKelvey Report, see 'Related documents' on the right), which comprise more than half of the total.

The Overspend Review Group was tasked with considering all aspects that relate to the College’s budgeting and expenditure processes and to propose lessons that should be learned. It was set up following overspends in two areas: the installation of a new data management system and building development work at the College’s premises in London.  

“This verdict is welcome in that it supports our original decision,” says RCVS President Jacqui Molyneux. “But I can appreciate that it may frustrate those members unhappy that they will not see the full report.

“When it was commissioned, it was intended that the Report would be published in full; in the event, the document included information that would contravene the Data Protection Act if published.

"However, I would like to reassure members that the substance of the Report was included in the published recommendations, and these have now, in the main, been acted upon.”

Questions and answers about the Report can be read by following the link in the 'Related links box' on the right.