Defra is currently consulting on reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, legislation that underpins the regulation of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in the UK.

These reforms may lead to significant changes in how the profession is governed and how the current functions of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) are delivered in the future. In particular, proposals consider whether regulatory functions should remain combined with the wider professional leadership and development activitiescurrently undertaken by the RCVS, or whether these functions should be delivered in a different structure.

This survey aims to explore:
• Awareness of the different roles currently undertaken by the RCVS
• How frequently members use these services or activities
• The perceived value of these functions to the profession
• How important it is that these activities continue to be delivered by the RCVS or another organisation in the future

Your responses will help SPVS ensure that our submission to Defra reflects the real experiences and priorities of practising veterinary professionals, particularly those working in clinical practice.

The survey should take around 5–10 minutes to complete. All responses will be anonymous and reported in aggregate. The results will be used to inform the SPVS response to the Veterinary Surgeons Act consultation and may also be shared in summary form with members and relevant stakeholders.

Your views are extremely valuable in helping shape the future structure of veterinary regulation and professional leadership in the UK.
Thank you for taking the time to contribute.