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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th November 2018
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College to explore new system for language testing
Councillors decided to explore the option of the Occupational English Test (OET), which focuses on communicating in a healthcare setting.
Proof of language ability could be extended to EU citizens post-Brexit

The RCVS will explore a new system of language testing for overseas graduates who wish to join the register after Brexit.

Under current arrangements, the college is legally required to have only limited requirements for proof of language ability from EU applicants.

For non-EU overseas applicants, however, a higher standard of evidence is required. Those who hold a veterinary degree that is not recognised by the RCVS and are not native English speakers must pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test at Level 7.

EU applicants can only have their English language ability tested if the college has ‘serious and concrete doubts’ about individual applicants when they visit Belgravia House to formally join the register.

RCVS Council members were asked to consider how this system may need to change when the UK leaves the EU, at the latest meeting in November.

Councillors decided to explore the option of the Occupational English Test (OET), which focuses on communicating in a healthcare setting. It is currently used by a number of UK health regulators and veterinary regulators in Australia and New Zealand. The OET Level B is the equivalent of IELTS Level 7.

This will now be further explored, with proposals coming back to a future meeting of the council.

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise 100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.