RCVS Council
The main governing body of the RCVS, responsible for setting the College’s strategic direction and upholding professional standards across the veterinary profession.
Committees, subcommittees and groups
The RCVS operates through a comprehensive governance structure of specialised committees, subcommittees, and working groups that oversee everything from veterinary education to professional standards. Our expert panels, made up of Council members and appointed specialists, work together to make sure veterinary care in the UK stays safe, effective, and up to date.
As a professional body, it’s important we have strong governance.
You can find links below to access information about specific committees and councils and their associated subcommittees and working groups. Each page contains details about membership, terms of reference, and current activities.
On this page
Standing committees
Standing committees are permanent, non-statutory parts of the RCVS governance structure. They report directly to the RCVS Council and play a vital role in supporting its work.
Each committee helps the Council deliver effective oversight, shape strategy, and develop policy across key areas of veterinary regulation and professional standards.
Advancement of the Professions Committee
Co-ordinates and develops activities that help to advance the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions, and which are underpinned by our Royal Charter.
Audit and Risk Committee
Supports the RCVS Council by checking that the right safeguards and processes are in place, so the Council can be confident it is doing its job properly.
Education Committee
Sets the policy for veterinary education and training, registration requirements, Continued Professional Development (CPD), and the recognition of RCVS Advanced Practitioners and Specialists.
Finance and Resources Committee
Ensures the RCVS has the right finances, resources and governance in place to operate effectively.
- Hardwick Street Refurbishment Group - advises on the 10-year refurbishment plan for our Hardwick Street premises.
Preliminary Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee Liaison Committee
The Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) and Disciplinary Committee (DC) Liaison Committee are channels for communication between the Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees and the Officer Team. They discuss policy issues in connection with the supervision of professional conduct.
Registration Committee
Responsible for the registration of veterinary and veterinary nurses to the RCVS.
Standards Committee
Responsible for providing advice and guidance on the professional conduct of veterinary surgeons and nurses.
Veterinary Nurses Council
Responsible for all matters relating to veterinary nurse training, post-qualification awards and the registration of qualified veterinary nurses.
Statutory Committees
These committees carry out our legal responsibilities for professional regulation and enforcement.
- Disciplinary Committee
Acts as a tribunal for serious disciplinary issues involving veterinary surgeons. - Charter Case Committee
An independent committee for resolving issues outside of a Disciplinary Committee hearing. - Preliminary Investigation Committee
Investigates and assesses concerns raised about vets and decides whether to refer them to the Disciplinary Committee. - Veterinary Nurse Disciplinary Committee
Deals with professional misconduct cases involving vet nurses. - Veterinary Nurse Preliminary Investigation Committee
Investigates and assesses concerns about veterinary nurses and decides whether they should be referred to the VN Disciplinary Committee.
Appeals committees
These committees ensure fairness and due process by reviewing decisions made in regulatory matters.
- Accreditation Appeals Committee
Deals with appeals related to RCVS Accreditations of veterinary degrees or VN educational programmes, following review by PQSC/Education Committee/VN Education Committee, as appropriate. - Examinations Appeals Committee
Handles appeals relating to the conduct of examinations administered by the College. - Specialist Recognition and Advanced Practitioner Appeals Committee
Determines appeals relating to recognition of Specialists and Advanced Practitioners.
Groups reporting to the Officer Team
- Public Advisory Group (PAG)
Enables the RCVS to better understand issues affecting the public, to inform future strategy, policy and consultation.
Groups reporting to the RVCS Council
These specialist groups provide advisory support and coordinate specific initiatives.