Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee

The Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee serves as a channel for communication between the Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees and the Officer Team, discussing policy issues in connection with the supervision of professional conduct. (View full terms of reference)

Members

• Dr Linda Belton MRCVS - Chair
• Mr Derek Bray 
• Mrs Olivia Cook MRCVS
• Dr Tshidi Gardiner (Treasurer) 
• Ms Sally Bowden RVN (RVN PIC Chair)
• Dr Kate Richards MRCVS
• Dr Bradley Viner FRCVS (PIC Chair)
• Mr Paul Morris (DC Chair)

Secretary

Francesca Hayes (T 020 7965 1033, E [email protected])

Full terms of reference

The Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee shall include the chair of the Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC), the chair of the RVN Preliminary Investigation Committee (RVN PIC), the chair of the Disciplinary Committee (DC), at least two members of Council one of whom is a member of the Officer Team, the chair of Standards Committee (SC). The member of the Officer Team to undertake the role of chair of the (liaison) committee for a three-year term, usually incoming Junior Vice-President in the year that the role becomes vacant.

The Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee shall serve as a channel for communication between the Preliminary Investigation, Charter Case and Disciplinary Committees and Council, discussing policy issues in connection with the supervision of professional conduct. These shall include the following:

• The setting and monitoring of key performance indicators and monitoring processes;

• Working methods;

• Monitoring costs and resources related to the committees;

• Arrangements for the recruitment of members of the Committees, including deciding the membership of the independent selection panel and overseeing the process (final decision on successful candidates to be ratified by Council), appraisal of their performance and the process for selection for chairs;

• Arrangements for the appointment of legal advisors (including legal assessors) in connection with the professional conduct function;

• Planning for a public review of the implementation of the legislative reform order; and,

• Facilitating a ‘feedback loop’ between DC and CCC decisions, outcomes of the PIC and RVN PIC, the SC and the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS).

The PIC/DC Liaison Committee shall also monitor the impact of the protocol for private prosecutions against unqualified individuals, which commenced on 1 April 2023.

The Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee shall report to Council. 

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