Practice Standards survey - tell us what you think

Veterinary practices that are members of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme will receive a survey this week asking for their views on the Scheme and how best to communicate it to the general public.

This survey forms part of a two-pronged research programme which also includes focus groups with animal-owning members of the general public that are currently being held around the country.

The survey is being carried out by independent market research agency Precision Prospecting and all practices are urged to complete and return their questionnaire as soon as possible.

The findings from the survey, and how this will help shape the public launch of the Scheme, will be published before the end of the year as a prequel to the launch proper, which is planned for the first quarter of 2006.

Those practices wishing to join the Scheme in 2006 are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

Existing members of the Scheme who joined before July 2005 are reminded that their annual fees are due by 31 January 2006. For those practices that joined the Scheme as VN Training Practices, and thus were exempt from the joining fee, this will be the first set of fees applicable to them.