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Posted: 2nd March 2026

RCVS shares response to VSA consultation
“It is our strong belief that the ‘Royal College that regulates’ model retains the best of both worlds" – Tim Parkin.
Prof Parkin has supported Option 1, which protects RCVS’ work.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has published its response to the ongoing Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) consultation.

Prof Tim Parkin, RCVS president, has praised a proposed reform which he says will incorporate many of RCVS’ longstanding recommendations.

The College has welcomed many of Defra’s recommendations, through which RCVS could be given statutory powers to directly regulate veterinary businesses. The wider veterinary team, including allied professionals, could also be similarly regulated.

Veterinary nurses would have their title protected, with additional reforms to enable them to take on more roles and responsibilities.

An updated fitness-to-practise regime would mean there is a greater range of sanctions available and interim powers of suspension. It would also lead to a modernised registration and licensing system.

The RCVS president said: “We thank Defra for taking on board the strong message from the RCVS, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), and the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA), of the clear and pressing need to have new and improved legislation that is fit both for now and for the future.

“What is proposed in this consultation will set a firm regulatory foundation for the veterinary sector for decades to come, and our response reflects how positive we are about the changes and what they would mean for the future role and function of the RCVS as the veterinary regulator.

Prof Parkin says that, of the two options proposed by Defra, the College is in support of Option 1.

He describes Option 1 as the ‘Royal College that regulates’ model, in which RCVS would be able to take a ‘proactive and holistic approach’. Meanwhile Option 2 would mean RCVS is ‘shorn of its broader public interest and professional leadership objectives’, and left only with its regulatory remit.

Prof Parkin added: “It is our strong belief that the ‘Royal College that regulates’ model retains the best of both worlds, because it takes a proactive and holistic approach to regulation and fitness to practise. 

“For example, professional leadership projects such as the Mind Matters Initiative and our reasonable adjustments campaign have opened up conversations around mental and physical health, and how we can better support our registrants to continue to meet professional standards in the public interest, while the RCVS Academy helps our registrants understand and navigate their professional responsibilities via innovative learning content.”

The College’s full response to Defra’s consultation can be found on RCVS’ Time for Change. The consultation into the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) will continue until 25 March 2026.

Image © RCVS



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