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Strategic plan will inform RCVS' future direction
Nick Stace, RCVS' CEO.
"First-rate regulator" is aim of three-year plan for royal college

RCVS council has approved a strategic plan for the regulatory body, that will enable it to meet its aim of "enhancing society through improved animal health and welfare".

The college's strategic plan was based on input from a number of sources, such as feedback from the profession and public about what the college did or didn't do well, and analysis of how regulators of other professions operate.

The aim for the college is to become a "first-rate regulator" as the plan is rolled out over the next three years.

Actions that the college will take are grouped under five headings, all based around setting, upholding and advancing veterinary standards. One such example is the introduction of a service charter for the public and the profession in terms of rights, expectations and responsibilities in each of its functions.

Striving for excellent service was at the heart of the RCVS' drive for improvement, explained CEO Nick Stace.

“The concept of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, as well as the public, being our ‘customers’, was one that unsettled the profession when it was first mooted. But I believe only by ensuring we focus relentlessly on improving how we interact with our customers will we deliver a service for the profession, the public, and, ultimately, the UK’s animals, which is worthy of the name first-rate regulator,” he said.

Among the plan's aims, better communication, transparency and furthering knowledge are key. The plan also pledges to:

    ⁃    Reduce the time it takes for a complaint to be concluded in a fair and transparent manner
·         Improve the advice line for the public and the profession
·         Establish statutory powers to conduct language testing for those from the EU for whom English is not their first language
·         Cost and design a trial for a new consumer dispute resolution service
·         Develop communications with the profession and the public in plain English

The full strategic plan may be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/strategy

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.