RCVS to require practice-specific suicide prevention plans
RCVS says that different practices will need different measures.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is to introduce new requirements for suicide prevention plans at each individual practice.
From 1 April 2026, all accredited practices must assess the potential risks within their practice setting and put in place measures to mitigate each risk.
The measures will become Core Standards of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) for all three practice types. Practices not within the PSS must also meet the requirement.
RCVS says it recognises that different practices will need different measures, based on access to lethal medicines, access to firearms and the likelihood of individuals working alone.
The decision follows two separate ‘prevention of future death’ reports issued by the coroners’ courts. The reports refer to one veterinary surgeon and one layperson who used lethal veterinary medicines to take their lives.
RCVS’ latest changes have been led by its Mind Matters Initiative (MMI). MMI seeks to proactively investigate systematic issues, as it works to minimise the likelihood of people becoming unwell.
In October 2025, MMI launched an RCVS Academy course titled ‘Suicide Awareness Fundamentals'.
The course, which was developed with veterinary mental health experts, examines the contributing factors behind suicide in the profession. It aims to build learners confidence with discussing suicide, reducing stigma and support those in crisis.
Practices are also directed to the British Standards Institution’s guidance on suicide awareness and the Samaritans’ advice on developing a ‘safety plan’ to support someone with suicidal thoughts.
Zara Kennedy, chair of MMI, said: “Many veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and other colleagues in the veterinary team have been deeply affected by the suicide of their friends, colleagues and peers in the professions.
“While it may not be possible to prevent every death by suicide, we hope that by taking proactive measures such as the requirement for practices to have suicide prevention plans, we can prevent some. In doing so we can help those people who may be thinking about taking their own lives to get the treatment and help they need.
“Suicide prevention plans are a collection of measures that aim to protect staff, as well as the wider public, by reducing incidences of suicide and this decision by the RCVS Standards Committee aligns with the prevention aspect of the Mind Matters Strategy and the proactive work the initiative has been doing in this area.”
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