Lobbying from two leading veterinary groups prompts debate

The RCVS is reviewing its council decree to stop selling member's data, after both the BVA and the Veterinary Defence Society (VDS) appealed against the decision.

Previously, the RCVS received around £25,000 annually from the hire of its data, however, in June the college decided it should no longer allow member and practice details to be hired out by commercial groups and other veterinary organisations.

According to the BVA, the decision goes against the interests of the whole profession by preventing the BVA from growing its membership and improving CPD.

In its letter of appeal to the RCVS, a BVA spokesperson said: "Membership of professional bodies assists veterinary surgeons in their professional lives and in dealing with expectations of the RCVS as laid down in the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons."

Meanwhile, the VDS appealed that the RCVS database enabled it to reach a wider audience of nurses, and promote the need for RVNs to take out professional indemnity insurance in light of the RCVS VN disciplinary system.

VDS Director David McKeown said: "When a nurse calls us it is hugely helpful if we can find her RCVS number and address on a database on our system, check its accuracy and then allocate a unique VDS number for membership to be processed."

The RCVS council discussed the appeals at its meeting earlier this month (November), and a debate was concluded by Peter Jinman, who stated the original June decision should remain until further clarity was given on the legality of data hiring and exemptions.

The issue will be debated again in March 2013.