About the RCVS and the ARC
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is the statutory regulator for the veterinary profession in the UK, thanks to the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, and also has a range of roles that are supported by our Royal Charter, including regulation of the veterinary nursing profession.
As a regulator, we set, uphold and advance veterinary standards. As a Royal College, we promote, encourage and advance the study and practice of the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine. We do all these things in the interests of animal health and welfare, and in the wider public interest.
We strive to behave with clarity, courage, compassion and confidence, and our vision is to be recognised as a trusted, compassionate and proactive regulator, and a supportive and ambitious Royal College, underpinning confident veterinary professions of which the UK can be rightly proud.
As a regulator, we:
- Maintain a Register of Veterinary Surgeons entitled to practice in the UK
- Regulate veterinary education and the standards required for inclusion on the Register
- Regulate professional conduct by producing advice, investigating concerns and potentially removing names from the Register
As a Royal College, we:
- Award postgraduate qualifications, including Fellowships and Certificates
- Maintain a list of veterinary surgeons who are RCVS Specialists
- Assess and accredit practice standards in accordance with the voluntary Practice Standards Scheme
- Support our partner charity, RCVS Knowledge, and the development of evidence-based veterinary science
- Provide a source of information and opinion on relevant veterinary matters.
In addition, we:
- Register veterinary practice premises where veterinary medicines are stored or supplied, on behalf of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate
- Maintain a list of approved riding establishment inspectors
On entering the College, all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses declare that they will pursue the work of the profession with integrity, and that their constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to their care. Our combined role, as regulator and Royal College, is to ensure that veterinary surgeons live up to this promise. http://www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/royal-charter-and-legislation/.
RCVS Audit and Risk Committee
Terms of reference
The terms of reference of the Audit and Risk Committee are to support the Council by reviewing the comprehensiveness and reliability of assurances and internal controls in meeting the Council’s oversight responsibilities (the committee's full terms of reference can be downloaded from here).
The Committee has delegated authority to:
- monitor the Council’s risk management arrangements;
- approve the internal audit programme; and,
- advise the Council on the comprehensiveness and reliability of assurances and internal controls, including internal and external audit arrangements, and on the implications of assurances provided in respect of risk and control.
- receive assurances and offer advice on the quality assurance work undertaken by the College in relation to the accreditation of veterinary and veterinary nursing educational institutions is operating in accordance with its published procedures. This process of assurance is also designed to contribute to compliance with the requirements for membership with the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA)