Legally speaking at BSAVA

Did you miss our 'Legally speaking' session at BSAVA Congress in Birmingham (2 April), in which we aimed to update vets and VNs about current legal, disciplinary and guidance changes?

Starting the session, RCVS President Peter Jinman gave an overview of the College’s legal framework, and outlined the proposed Legislative Reform Order (LRO) on which Defra is due to consult.

The LRO aims to vary the composition of our two statutory committees - Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary - to ensure their independence from Council.

He was followed by Liz Branscombe (pictured), Chairman of the Veterinary Nurses Council, who took delegates through the new disciplinary system for registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), which came into force on 1 April.

The new approach, which mirrors that in place for veterinary surgeons, means RVNs can now be called to account over their professional conduct.

Finally, Gordon Hockey, Head of Professional Conduct, discussed the new Health Protocol, which was brought in last autumn to better serve the public interest when veterinary surgeons have health problems which affect their fitness to practise.

He also introduced the new draft Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons, which is currently open to consultation from the profession and the public.

You can download the presentation from the 'Related documents' box - below.