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Public Advisory Group (PAG)

The Public Advisory Group (PAG) exists to support our activities, which are to set, uphold and advance the educational, ethical and clinical standards of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. This helps safeguard animal health and welfare, as well as public health.

As a regulator working in the public interest, the PAG plays an important role in helping ensure our activities continue to reflect and serve that objective.

About the Public Advisory Group (PAG) 

Members of the Public Advisory Group (PAG) are people who use veterinary services. This includes owners and keepers of companion animals, equines and farm animals.

Members are appointed to a wider group, from which smaller working groups may be formed to focus on specific topics or pieces of work.

Join the Public Advisory Group

Deadline: 28 February 2026

We're currently seeking new members to join the Public Advisory Group. Full details on the role and the application process are available via the application page.

Terms of reference

The terms of reference for the RCVS Public Advisory Group are as follows:

  • To enable the RCVS to better understand issues affecting the public, so that this can inform future strategy, policy and consultation.
  • To act as a sounding board with whom the RCVS can confidentially consult on draft policy while under development.
  • To support the development and improvement of RCVS services for the public, for example, Find a Vet, Check the Registers and the concerns process.
  • To help to pilot and test messages and communications to ensure they are clear and understandable.

The PAG reports to the Officer Team. Members are regularly rotated and are likely to serve for between two and four years.

The Group is chaired by a member of RCVS Council, decided by the Officer team based on applications.

The PAG does not decide on College policy or strategy.

Members of the PAG will be compensated for attending meetings at the same rate as RCVS Council members. Where possible, meetings will be held on online, to improve access, diversity and inclusion, and reduce environmental impact.

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Join the RCVS Public Advisory Group

Join the RCVS Public Advisory Group and help shape our work as the UK’s veterinary regulator. We’re looking for animal owners and keepers to provide insight, feedback, and guidance on policies, services, and campaigns that affect animal health and welfare.