Our mission, vision and values
Learn how the RCVS’s mission, vision and values underpin our regulation, guide our decisions, and support a thriving, trusted veterinary profession - now and into the future.
What we do
Since 1844, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has regulated the UK's veterinary professionals. We set professional standards, oversee veterinary education, and protect both public and animal welfare through careful governance of the veterinary profession.
Our mission
Our mission is to protect the public interest by ensuring animal health and welfare, and public health, are advanced through thriving, world-class veterinary professions.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the UK's statutory regulator for the veterinary profession. Our key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining the official registers of vets and vet nurses
- Setting educational standards for veterinary training
- Investigating concerns about professional conduct
- Awarding advanced qualifications and certifications
- Developing policy to improve and advance veterinary standards
- Sharing knowledge, embracing innovation and supporting better ways of working
Only those veterinary professionals listed on our registers can legally practise in the UK. This protects both animals and their owners.
While our official responsibilities are UK-focused, we have a strong global presence, with members working overseas and international vets practising in the UK. This international reach is important because many challenges - such as disease, artificial intelligence, and societal change - do not stop at borders.
Our history
Established in 1844 by Royal Charter as the governing body of the veterinary profession, the RCVS has maintained and advanced veterinary standards for more than 180 years.
Our role has evolved from a professional body into a modern statutory regulator, dedicated to serving the public interest. Today, we operate primarily under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which gives us our statutory regulatory powers.
Governance structures – Council and committees
The RCVS Council is our governing body. It has 26 members, who meet at least six times a year to make key decisions.
Council membership is as follows:
- 15 veterinary surgeons elected by the profession
- Three representatives from the UK veterinary schools which deliver RCVS-accredited degrees
- Six lay (non-professional) members appointed to represent the public interest
- Two registered veterinary nurses
Policy work typically begins in working parties before progressing to specialist committees and, finally, to Council. Each committee operates under set terms of reference that define its role and responsibilities.
Council meetings follow our Meeting Procedure Rules 2019, which ensure transparent and effective decision-making.
The Presidential Team
Our Presidential Team provides leadership and represents the College publicly. The team includes a President and Vice-President, each serving a three-year term. The team works closely with Council and our committees to advance the College's mission and strategic priorities.
The Officer Team
RCVS employees are known as officers, as they are not elected. Our Officer Team includes the Chief Executive and senior staff, who manage the College’s day-to-day operations. They implement Council decisions and ensure we meet our regulatory responsibilities.
The team oversees a wide range of functions, from registration services to education standards and professional conduct investigations.
RCVS Knowledge
We work closely with RCVS Knowledge, our independent, charitable arm. Together, we support veterinary education, training, and research.