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Deadline looming to submit views on PSS
keyboard and stethoscope
The final consultation closes on Monday, March 23 at 5pm.
RCVS seeking opinions on revised Practice Standards Scheme

Only a few days remain to submit views on the revised Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), which will likely be implemented in November this year.

The PSS review is now in the final stages of a consultation which closes at 5pm on Monday, March 23. Members of the profession are being asked to take part in an online survey and provide feedback on some of the finer details, such as the details of the new awards and weightings given to clauses in the awards section.

RCVS Council approved the development of a new PSS structure in June 2013, in response to criticism that the scheme is not focused enough on care standards, is burdensome to small practices and poorly understood by clients.

Under the revised scheme, extra awards will be introduced over and above the basic accreditations of core, general practice and veterinary hospital. Awards will be available at either "good" or "outstanding", in a similar format to Ofsted school inspections. Practices can choose to be inspected for some, all or none of these awards.

Nursing specific modules will also be introduced in the new framework.

Inspectors will instead be known as "assessors" and all current PSS inspectors will need to reapply and undergo training in the new "behavioural approach" of the scheme. Around 20 assessor posts will be available and the college will also recruit a lead assessor to monitor inspections and provide guidance.

A bespoke IT system will allow practices to apply online for the scheme, upload documents required for accreditation and set reminders.

Annual fees will rise to a maximum of £350+VAT for principle premises and £100+VAT for branches.

Practices that are already part of the scheme will be automatically transferred to the new PSS at their current level.

To submit your views: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/pssreview

For more information on the revised PSS: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/consultations/our-consultations/pss-review-final-stage-consultation/

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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.