Lay member for the Practice Standards Group (PSG) and RCVS Mandatory Practice Regulation Working Group

**Please note we are not seeking anyone from the veterinary profession for this lay member role**

To apply, please send a completed application and CV by email to Recruitment@rcvs.org.uk

Please indicate which roles you are applying for. We welcome applications for both roles or either role.

Informal enquiries are welcome to Sarah Iddon, Head of Legal Services-PSS at s.iddon@rcvs.org.uk  

Role description

Background

In January 2005 the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) launched the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) as a voluntary Scheme to represent the standards of the profession. The Standards provide a regular framework for review of practice policy and adherence to legal and professional code of conduct requirements. The Scheme aims to promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care, assessing practice premises on a four yearly cycle. Membership is nearly 70% of all UK eligible practices.

Practice Standards Scheme - Professionals (rcvs.org.uk)

The Practice Standards Group (PSG) is responsible for the ongoing development of PSS. It comprises of eleven members, one nominated by each of the British Veterinary Association (BVA); the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA); the British Veterinary Hospital Association (BVHA); the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA); the British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA); RCVS (who shall be the Chairman of the Group); the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS); the Veterinary Practice Management Association (VPMA); the British Association of Veterinary Emergency Clinics (BAVEC); Veterinary Nurses Council; British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) and a lay person.

1. PSG meets four to six times per year and reports to RCVS Council though its recommendations to Standards Committee. Six meetings are scheduled for 2025.
2. PSG is looking to appoint a lay member to complement and represent the views of the wider consumer. While the Standards to which practices premises are assessed are clinical, practical and necessary to ensure they are safe; we are keen to deliver Standards and a Scheme that meets the expectations of the profession, its members and the wider consumer.
3. PSS and PSG are currently working on the five yearly review of the Scheme’s Standards and Awards. The lay person will also be required to attend some working group meetings for this strand of work.
4. The Veterinary Surgeons Act governs the profession and provides limited leverage for RCVS, as the regulator for veterinary surgeons and nurses, over the commercial and consumer-facing aspects of veterinary businesses. While the PSS goes some way to provide a framework for practices, improved regulatory requirements and/or elements of best practice could provide for better outcomes and clarity for the sector.
5. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) are currently investigating the veterinary profession, and RCVS welcomes reform and its recommendation to modernise regulatory framework through new legislation.

RCVS responds to CMA review of vet sector and welcomes call for modernising regulatory framework - Professionals

1. In 2024 the Mandatory Practice Regulation Working Group was established with its purpose to suggest proposals to RCVS Council for what mandatory practice regulation of all practices in the UK (not just those in PSS) might look like. This group is distinct from the Practice Standards Group (PSG) and considers more holistic issues, such as structure, governance and powers of any potential legislative reform and its delivery. It is anticipated that the work for this Group will take around 12 months to complete but the number of meetings may increase depending on progress with the legislative timetable.
2. The composition of this Group includes the President of RCVS, Chair of Standards Committee, Chair of Practice Standards Group, veterinary member of RCVS Council, veterinary nurse member of VN Council, lay member of VNC or RCVS Council,  a consumer representative, BVA representative, external representative(s) from regulators with similar scheme (eg Care Quality Commission, General Pharmaceutical Council, NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland, the RCVS Registrar, CEO, Head of Legal Services-PSS, PSS Lead Assessor and Policy and Public Affairs Manager.
3. The Mandatory Practice Regulation Working Group is looking its consumer representative to assist with this work.

Scope of the role

We are seeking a lay person that can bring a strategic and practical dimension to the views, opinions and expectations of the consumer and contribute to both the Practice Standards Group and the Mandatory Practice Regulation working Group independently. We are not looking for a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse but a professional with a background in representing the consumer.

Time commitments

The minimum time commitment:

• Practice Standards Group – four to six half day meetings per year.
• Working Group meetings for the Five Yearly Review of Practice Standards and Awards - Two full day remote meetings remaining for 2024, with the possibility of further meetings in 2025.
• The Mandatory Practice Regulation Working Group – Three half day remote meetings remining for 2024 with the possibility of extension into 2025.

Appointment to the role will be:

• Practice Standards Group – for 3 years and will be renewable at the discretion of the RCVS.

• Working Group meetings for the Five Yearly Review of Practice Standards and Awards – as required for the duration of the review.
• The Mandatory Practice Regulation Working Group – For the duration of the working Group, currently scheduled until the end of 2024 but with the possibility of extension.

Compensation

Post-holders can claim a loss of earnings allowance, capped at £352 per full day, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the RCVS Expenses Policy.

Criteria for the role

• Experience of working within professional regulation, a background in consumer policy, compliance, and practical application of consumer views and opinions at a senior level.
• Previous experience as a board and/or committee member.
• An interest in the veterinary profession and regulation.
• Good written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work to strict deadlines.
• Experience of pet ownership, desirable but not essential.

Application and enquiries

To apply, please send a completed application and CV by email to Recruitment@rcvs.org.uk

Please indicate which roles you are applying for. We welcome applications for both roles or either role.

Informal enquiries are welcome to Sarah Iddon, Head of Legal Services-PSS at s.iddon@rcvs.org.uk