Latest decisions from RCVS Council

RCVS Council met on 4 November, under the chairmanship of President Peter Jinman. The minutes of the meeting will be available in due course. In the meantime, read on for a brief summary of some of the key decisions.

Further detail on some of the decisions made, and their impact, will be found in the November issue of RCVS News.

Budget 2011

The budget for 2011 had been agreed at the June meeting of Council. An updated version, taking account of some changes beyond the College’s control – such as an increase in the projected number of new registrants and a decrease in anticipated income from interest – was approved by Council.

Strategy Plan

The College’s draft Strategy Plan was approved, it builds on the previous Plan, last updated in 2007. 

The overall objective laid out by the plan is: “To confirm the RCVS as an effective regulator and to develop its role as an influential scientific body – trusted equally by the public and the profession to be impartial and authoritative – and to ensure that the veterinary profession makes a positive contribution to society.”

Disciplinary system for registered veterinary nurses

RCVS Council unanimously approved the introduction of a disciplinary system for registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) from April next year.

Following legal advice, Council and VN Council decided that RVNs found guilty of serious professional misconduct would be removed from the Register but not from the List (which is referred to in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966). This means they will be able to carry out Schedule 3 tasks. However, any VNs removed from the Register will be clearly identified on the List, and veterinary surgeons will be advised against delegating Schedule 3 tasks to them, via the Guide to Professional Conduct.

Registered Veterinary Nurses will receive more detailed information about the system over the coming months.

New Australian vet school approved

Council agreed to a recommendation from the Education Policy and Specialisation Committee that the veterinary degree awarded by Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, should be accredited, meaning that the university’s graduates are eligible for registration with the RCVS.

The veterinary school at CSU offers an innovative programme, with the emphasis on filling a gap in the provision of rural veterinary services by aiming to retain graduates in rural areas.

Governance Review Group reported

Sir David Barnes, Chairman of the Governance Review Group, made an oral report to Council. He outlined the Group’s future plans, which include consideration of a code of conduct for Council members. A self-regulating profession’s best defence against accusations of self-interest, he said, was to have in place strong corporate governance measures.

Health Protocol approved

Council approved a new Health Protocol, which will allow veterinary surgeons (and, from next year, registered veterinary nurses) who suffer from a mental illness or substance addiction and about whom a complaint has been made, to have the matter dealt with confidentially, without going to a full public Disciplinary Committee hearing, in appropriate circumstances.

Such a system has been argued to be in the public interest and will allow individuals to access appropriate support and help away from the public spotlight, while ensuring that they do not put animals or the public at risk.

The draft Protocol was the subject of consultation amongst the profession and the public over summer. Proposed amendments to the Guide to Professional Conduct, to support the introduction of the Health Protocol, were also approved.

Finance Liaison Officer for VN Council

VN Council (VNC) reported to Council that it had agreed to nominate a Finance Liaison Officer, to ensure VN Council had a better understanding of financial and budgetary matters within the College more generally, through improved liaison with the Finance team and the Treasurer.

It was agreed that the veterinary nurse, Vice-Chairman of VN Council would be the appropriate person to take on this role, meaning elected member of VNC Kathy Kissick will take up the post for the remainder of this College year (July 2011).

Share Jones lecturer announced

Council ratified the decision by the Education Policy and Specialisation Committee that Dr John Hutchinson should be awarded the Share Jones Lectureship for 2011. Council agreed to accept the Royal Veterinary College’s kind offer of hosting the event.

Inspectors and investigators to separate

Council agreed the Planning and Resources Committee’s recommendation that the same individuals should not act as both Preliminary Investigation Committee Investigators and Practice Standards Scheme Inspectors, so that there is no perceived conflict of interest. The separation of duties will come into force by the end of 2011.

Long-standing member retires

Professor Quintin McKellar, Principal of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), moves from his post at the RVC at the end of the year, and will thus stand down from his role as one if the RVC’s two appointed members on Council.

As this was Professor McKellar’s last Council meeting, the President thanked him for his “apposite” contributions over the last eight years “which have always made us think”.