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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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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.