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RCVS: New Code of Conduct

The RCVS Council has approved a new draft Code of Professional Conduct for consultation.

Veterinary professionals are now urged to ensure that the content, format and presentation of the proposed new Code meets their current and future needs as well as those of the animal-owning public.

Based on the FVE (Federation of Vets of Europe), the new code will contain a lot less detail than the current Guide and focus on key principles in a way that the RCVS hope is more simplified . It will be supported by secondary guidance and advice.

There are also some new additions to the Code and these include compulsory PDP (Professional Development Phase), a clearer obligation to record CPD, the self-notification of criminal convictions and ensure assessment of outcomes with clinical governance.

The draft code is a marked change in style and format and incorporates a revised declaration, underlining the primary importance of animal health and welfare.

The new code will outline five overarching duties of veterinary surgeons that need to be maintained:

1)Professional competence
2)Honesty and integrity
3)Independence and impartiality
4)Client confidentiality and trust
5)Professional accountability

The views of veterinary professionals are critical when it comes to fundamental changes to existing protocols. We will be providing an opportunity to give feedback on the proposed new Code of Conduct with our survey, which will be available next week.

For more information on the new Code, click here.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.