Further to Requirement 4.1, this requirement mandates that the programme lead holds specific qualifications and has the necessary experience to oversee the veterinary nurse qualification.
The teaching qualification must be at a level appropriate to the programme being delivered, for example, a programme lead for a Level 3 Diploma qualification must hold at least a Level 3 Diploma or higher themselves, whereas a programme lead for a BSc (Hons) programme must have undertaken at least a Level 6 qualification, or higher. Whilst the programme lead must be an RVN, their licence to practise qualification does not need to be at the requisite academic level for the programme they are leading, providing they have an additional qualification at the appropriate academic level; usually this would be the teaching qualification, but can be altogether different, such as an MBA.
It is also important that the AEI and delivery site have considered the succession planning for the programme lead role, in order that other members of the team can be developed and there is a deputy type role who can cover for periods of absence.
Programme leads are encouraged to train as RCVS panel members for accreditations, which can assist with their knowledge and understanding of both the processes and the Standards.