BVA congratulates RCVS on new Royal Charter
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warmly congratulated the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as its new Royal Charter came into effect this week
The BVA is proud to have been able to work with the College to produce a charter that is fit for the 21st century.
Under changes instituted in the new Charter all veterinary nurses will for the first time be registered with and regulated by the RCVS.
The changes mean that all veterinary nurses will be required to adhere to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses and subject to the College’s disciplinary system in the case of serious professional misconduct. The RCVS has set a mandatory level of continuing professional development (CPD) that veterinary nurses must undertake. All veterinary nurses will be entitled to use the postnominal RVN.
Congratulating the RCVS and veterinary nurses across the UK, BVA President John Blackwell said:
“BVA sends its warmest congratulations to the RCVS and all our veterinary nursing colleagues on this landmark occasion, which sees the entire veterinary surgeon and nursing professions regulated for the first time. All veterinary surgeons know that the work we do is reliant on the veterinary team and the key role that the expertise and professionalism of veterinary nurses play within that team. BVA was very pleased to contribute to the RCVS consultation on the proposed Charter and to work closely on the final wording of the proposed Charter. We are equally pleased that the outcome is a coherent, comprehensive regulatory system across the veterinary profession.”
Fiona Andrew, President of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) added:
“BVNA is delighted that the new Royal Charter has come in to effect this week. Successive Councils of the BVNA have worked tirelessly over the years to have Veterinary Nursing recognised as a profession, and it is a delightful co-incidence that that recognition comes in the 50th year of our Association.
“We would like to send our thanks and congratulations to the RCVS for the effort that has taken place to make what once seemed like an impossible dream a reality. BVNA has welcomed the support from the BVA in recognising the importance of Veterinary Nursing in the development of the whole profession going forward.”
