Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 6th July 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS announces updates to Practice Standards Scheme requirements
The move follows widespread enthusiasm across the profession to learn more about what the sector can do to tackle global warming.
The changes include new environmental sustainability standards and an Environmental Sustainability Award.

RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) members will be required to meet new environmental sustainability standards under fresh updates announced by the College on Tuesday (5 July).

The changes, agreed upon by RCVS Council at its 9 June meeting, include new environmental sustainability requirements, updates to current standards to incorporate sustainability and a new Environmental Sustainability Award.

The move follows widespread enthusiasm across the profession to learn more about what the sector can do to tackle global warming and improve sustainability in day-to-day practice life. In September 2021, following a recommendation by The RCVS Environment and Sustainability Working Party, the Practice Standards Group initated a project to produce the new standards. 

Dr Mandisa Greene, chair of the Practice Standards Group, said: “It’s never been more pertinent that we review the sustainability of veterinary practice, and the introduction of these standards is a first, but vital, step in ensuring that the veterinary professions are doing all they can to manage their carbon footprint.”

The new standards, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, will be introduced gradually, as detailed below, to allow participating practices enough time to implement them: 

  • the new Environmental Sustainability Award is available to apply for now, with assessments starting from January 2023 
  • the social sustainability changes and other minor clarifications are effective immediately and will be assessed from October 2022 
  • the new and amended Core Standards and General Practice level environmental sustainability standards will be effective from June 2023. 
     
Dr Greene continued: “PSS-accredited practices often go above and beyond to ensure they provide high-quality care for their clients, and we’re aware how much time and energy goes into meeting the PSS standards. We want to assure PSS-accredited practices that the new standards won’t mean an overhaul of ways of working or result in expensive investment in resources. 

“Instead, the standards explain ways that practices can increase their sustainability by putting in place new measures gradually over the next 12 months, in time for them becoming mandatory. As with all standards updates, the PSS team are always available to answer any questions that practices have and anyone who is unsure about how to apply them is encouraged to get in touch with the PSS team.”

A list of useful resources to help PSS members meet the new sustainability requirements is available on the RCVS website. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.