It has been announced that the UK Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is launching a pivotal consultation on the reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
Throughout 2025, a Defra-led veterinary stakeholder group, including the BVA, BVNA, RCVS and the Veterinary Schools Council worked collaboratively to bring this consultation forward. The groups are now urging veterinary professionals to comment and engage with the process and make their voices heard during this eight-week consultation.
Why do we need reform?
For many working in the veterinary profession, the Veterinary Surgeons Act no longer reflective of the realities of modern veterinary practice. Roles have evolved and teams work more dynamically now than they have in passing years.
The consultation proposes a reform that would create a more forward-looking and futureproofed framework, designed to meet the needs of evolving veterinary care.
Some of the key areas that are up for consideration are:
- Regulation of veterinary and animal businesses
- Regulation of allied professionals within animal healthcare
- Protection of vet nurse and allied professional titles to set clearer professional boundaries
- A modernised registration and fitness-to-practise processes
Governance and the future of regulation
As well as pending changes in primary legislation, the consultation seeks views on the governance of future veterinary regulation. Respondents are asked whether they support the current model of the RCVS, or whether an alternative structure should be considered. The RCVS has expressed its preference to maintain its full range of functions, but with improved clarity to allow for a more holistic model with consistent and supportive regulations.
Why is engagement important?
The RCVS and BVNA are stressing the importance of participation from veterinary surgeons, nurses, allied professionals and the public. This is a rare opportunity to influence legislation that will shape veterinary roles and practice for years to come.
The consultation is open for eight weeks and closes at 23:59 on Wednesday 25 March 2026. More information, as well as information on how to respond, can be found on the RCVS website: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/policy/vsa-reform-time-for-change/
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