VN Council

Terms of reference

The RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council was established in 2002 and replaced the Veterinary Nurses Committee.

It has overall responsibility for all matters concerning veterinary nurse training, post-qualification awards and the registration of qualified veterinary nurses, which are set out in full in the VN Council Terms of Reference.

The functions of the Veterinary Nurses' Council as set out in the Supplemental Royal Charter 2015 and the RCVS delegation scheme 2023 are summarised as follows:

• To set standards for the training and education of persons wishing to be entered in the Register of Veterinary Nurses.
• To set requirements in relation to the registration of veterinary nurses.
• To set standards for the conduct of veterinary nurses.
• To maintain the register of veterinary nurses.
• To recommend to the Finance and Resources Committee a budget and levels of fees to be charged.
• To recommend to the Council amendments to the rules relating to the registration, conduct and discipline of veterinary nurses
• To ensure compliance with the requirements of the relevant regulatory authorities relating to licence to practise qualifications in veterinary nursing.
• To establish and keep under review schemes for post-qualification training and continuing professional development for veterinary nurses, and the outcomes to be achieved, with a view to recording an additional entry in the Register of Veterinary Nurses.
• In exercising its functions, the Veterinary Nurses’ Council may delegate responsibility for matters related to veterinary nurse education, both licence to practise and post registration awards, to the Veterinary Nurse Education Committee.
• the Veterinary Nurses’ Council shall ensure that the welfare of animals and good veterinary practice are central to its work.