A new Royal Charter proposes to make the RCVS formal regulator of the veterinary nursing profession.
The introduction of a new Royal Charter was proposed at the end of 2013, which would give the RCVS formal recognition as regulator of the veterinary nursing profession. Views are being sought by the college on the proposed changes, which include combining the List and Register of Veterinary Nurses, so that the 1,100 Listed veterinary nurses would join the 10,500 currently on the Register. VNonline spoke to the RCVS about the proposals.
What led the college to propose becoming a formal regulator of veterinary nurses?
The proposal for a new Royal Charter provides an opportunity to reinforce and formalise the structures that are already in place for the regulation of veterinary nurses. The RCVS has been closely involved in the development of the veterinary nursing profession and is the natural regulatory home for the profession. Furthermore, the Veterinary Surgeons Act recognises the RCVS as the regulator of veterinary nursing by restricting Schedule 3 activities to those veterinary nurses on the List held by the college.
Is it felt this will be desirable to the profession?
The proposals have the backing of the BVA and BVNA, and were developed out of the work of the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Legislation Working Party (VN LWP) over the past three years.
Proposed changes include combining the List and Register of Veterinary Nurses.
Is regulation required to improve upon the high standards of care already in existence?
The RCVS is pleased to acknowledge that the veterinary nursing profession already meets very high professional standards.
The effective merger of the List and Register is an incremental modernisation which will ensure that all veterinary nurses – and not only those already on the Register – will be required to keep their skills and knowledge up-to-date via continuing professional development, and be responsible for their own professional conduct. This will help to assure the public of the high professional standards they can expect from veterinary nurses.
What has been done to publicise the consultation, maximising awareness and response to ensure a representative view of the profession is gauged?
The RCVS has publicised the consultation in the following ways: via RCVS News; a press release; a news article on our website; via social media; by posting a hard copy to all listed veterinary nurses; by posting a hard copy and sending an email to key stakeholders; and conducting exchanges with the veterinary press.
We will also be hosting a free webinar on January 21 to explain the proposals and take questions.
How are members of the public being made aware of the consultation and their right to submit their views?
We welcome and value submissions from the public, and they have been informed of the consultation via our website, social media, and the animal owner press. Key animal-owner organisations have also been sent an email and hard copy of the proposals.
In December, RCVS president Col Neil Smith urged members of the profession to share their views on the charter.
Are there any concerns that people may be put off responding to the consultation due to lack of anonymity?
The Royal College follows the standard practice for government consultations, and in any event, the Freedom of Information Act limits the extent to which we are able to protect the anonymity of responders.
However, where a legitimate request for confidentiality is made, within the limits of the Act, we will endeavour to protect anonymity.
What steps will be taken by the college to engage with the veterinary nursing profession during this period of change?
The consultation process is designed to engage with the wider profession, and the RCVS communications department are always available to field any questions. The proposed new charter is based on proposals developed by the VN LWP – which includes representation from the BVA and BVNA. The RCVS has also undertaken considerable work to promote and publicise the proposals.
It is worth noting that the vast majority of the veterinary nursing profession – 10,500 veterinary nurses – are already on the Register, and only just over 1,000 remain on the List.
Have any other options for regulating the profession been considered and discussed?
The VN LWP considered a number of options regarding the future regulation of veterinary nurses. The working party, however, was unanimous in its decision that veterinary nurses should be regulated under the umbrella of the RCVS. Such a system of regulation recognises the close working relationship of veterinary nurses and surgeons, and promotes the concept of the veterinary team.
Was it considered that an independent body could carry out the consultation?
The RCVS protocol for conducting consultations was based on Cabinet Office guidelines for consultation. As with government departments, we conduct our own consultations. As such, the Royal College employs trained staff for this purpose and this represents the best value for money for the profession. Following the consultation, the college will publish a summary of responses, which ensures the process is transparent.
The RCVS is already going through a period of change – are there any concerns over implementing the regulation of veterinary nurses alongside other great changes within the college?
The proposed new charter formalises and strengthens the systems that are already in place for the regulation of veterinary nurses. The Register of Veterinary Nurses has been operational since 2007 and therefore the RCVS has significant experience and knowledge regarding the regulation of veterinary nurses.
The RCVS anticipates no difficulties in implementing the new charter in the context of the wider reforms outlined in the Strategic Plan 2014-16. Indeed the new charter and improved regulation of veterinary nurses is a key component of this plan
Members of the profession wishing to share their views on the Royal Charter must email the college by Friday, February 7, 2014. Visit the RCVS website to download the consultation paper.
Head to the VNonline Twitter page @VetNurseOnline where we are asking questions and sharing opinions on the consultation #vetnurse
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