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.

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

Here at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, improving animal health and welfare by advancing the ethical, professional, and clinical standards of the veterinary professions is at the heart of all our work. We also strive to advance veterinary standards with programmes of work around mental health, leadership, environmental sustainability, diversity, and innovation.

We set the standards for and monitor the quality of veterinary education; we hold Registers of those vets and veterinary nurses who are qualified to practice; we set professional standards for vets and veterinary nurses, and we help practices raise their standards through our Practice Standards Scheme.

Email: info@rcvs.org.uk
Tel: 020 7222 2001