A consultation on the new charter received just 48 responses.

Summary of 48 responses to consultation

A summary of responses to a new Royal Charter, which recognises the RCVS as regulator of veterinary nurses, has been published online.

A consultation on the new charter in December last year received responses from just 11 organisations and 37 individuals.

Both BVA and Central Veterinary Society (CVS) felt the consultation period was too short and the timetable for a new charter unworkable, while BVA added that a survey or questionnaire would have been better than a full consultation.

The new Royal Charter sets out the objects of the college, and will also combine the list and register of veterinary nurses. It will replace the Supplemental Charter 1967.

Under the new charter, the college “may undertake any activities which seem to it necessary or expedient to help it to achieve its objects”. This could include accrediting courses and qualifications, awarding qualifications and recognising expertise and keeping lists and registers of veterinary nurses.

There were concerns among the BVA, BSAVA and CVS about the breadth of powers included. The BVA also said the charter must not encroach on its remit, while the BEVA said the RCVS cannot compete with CPD providers.

The college has since confirmed it has no plans to get into the business of CPD provision and the draft charter has been amended to: "Accrediting post-registration veterinary education and training for those admitted as members and associates of the college and promulgating guidance on such education and training."

It also clarified that the college does not intend to complete with representative bodies in the provision of membership services and "providing information services to the veterinary professions" refers to the activities of RCVS Knowledge.

This part of the draft charter has therefore been changed to: "Providing information services and information about the historical development of the
veterinary professions."

The charter also gives the RCVS the power to create new classes of associate of the college. Although this was broadly supported by the BVA, BEVA and Association of Meat Inspectors, CVS said it had “deep concerns”.  

BSAVA said it was particularly cautious about the mention of veterinary student associates and said members should be consulted and the regulation of new groups must be self-financing.

According to the college, however, veterinary students and students of veterinary nursing were mentioned in the consultation as examples of those who could be invited to become associates and there is currently no proposal to offer the status to anyone except registered veterinary nurses.

The regulation and recognition of veterinary nurses was supported by 17 individuals and five organisations who responded to the consultation – BVA, BVNA, BSAVA, BEVA and CVS UK Ltd.

BVNA, BEVA, CVS UK Ltd and four individuals also supported the creation of a single register of veterinary nurses. However, five individuals said they opposed this.

Concerns were raised by the PDSA over fees to transfer from the list to the register, while two individuals queried the cost of a new badge, indemnity insurance and increased accountability. The RCVS subsequently confirmed that there will be no fees to transfer from the list to the register.

BSAVA also said the college should consult listed nurses on their reasons for not transferring to the register. The consultation and plans to combine the list and register were communicated via an individual letter to each listed veterinary nurse.

While the college was thought by the BVNA to be best placed to regulate nurses, there were concerns over future fee increases. It was also questioned whether other methods of regulation had been considered.

The RCVS Council unanimously agreed to the draft charter at the June 6 meeting.

A motion to submit the charter to Privy Council was also passed unanimously and seconded by BVA president Robin Hargreaves at the RCVS AGM last week.

If the draft is approved by the Privy Council, it is expected to come into force early in 2015.

Read the full summary of responses on the RCVS website.