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RVNs could become PSS assessors
vn
Currently only veterinary surgeons can become assessors.
Nick Stace hints at change during council meeting
 
Veterinary nurses may be recruited as 'assessors' for the revamped Practice Standards Scheme (PSS), it emerged at a recent meeting of the VN Council.

RCVS chief executive Nick Stace said the council could push the college harder on this point, hinting that discussions could take place before the five-year review of the scheme.

The new scheme is set to launch at London Vet Show in November. Among numerous changes, 'assessors' have replaced the 'inspectors' of old.

In recruiting the new team of 18 assessors, Mr Stace said the college has "set a different culture" by appointing those with the right attitude - putting the emphasis on support, rather than bureaucracy.

Currently only veterinary surgeons can become assessors, though VN Council chair Liz Cox said she has previously called for this to be changed.

Speaking at the meeting in Telford, ahead of BVNA Congress, Liz pointed out that often nurses are in charge of organising scheme membership, yet they are not allowed to become assessors.

This was set for review after the new scheme had been in place for five years, but Mr Stace said during the meeting that it could happen before.

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

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News Shorts
CMA to host webinar exploring provisional decisions

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is to host a webinar for veterinary professionals to explain the details of its provisional decisions, released on 15 October 2025.

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, 29 October 2025 from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

Officials will discuss the changes which those in practice may need to make if the provisional remedies go ahead. They will also share what happens next with the investigation.

The CMA will be answering questions from the main parties of the investigation, as well as other questions submitted ahead of the webinar.

Attendees can register here before Wednesday, 29 October at 11am. Questions must be submitted before 10am on 27 October.

A recording of the webinar will be accessible after the event.