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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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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.