As Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss discusses the release of Defra's White Paper
Today, the government has published its White Paper, Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector, setting out proposals for the most significant reform of veterinary regulation in a generation. These proposals respond both to the recent consultation on reforming the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and to recommendations made by the Competition and Markets Authority following its investigation into veterinary services for household pets.
As Chief Veterinary Officer, I am proud to be part of a profession that plays a vital role in society. Every day veterinary professionals help protect animal health and welfare, support food security, safeguard public health, strengthen our biosecurity, and facilitate international trade. Our contribution is as important today as it has ever been.
While the profession has evolved significantly over the last 60 years, the legislation governing us has not kept pace. Veterinary practice today looks very different from when the Veterinary Surgeons Act was introduced in 1966. New professions such as veterinary nurses have emerged with the wider vet team playing, an increasingly important role in achieving good outcomes for animals; and technology has transformed the way we deliver care
The White Paper sets out how we can build a modern regulatory framework that supports the whole veterinary sector to flourish whilst continuing to uphold the high standards that the public rightly expects.
Supporting the whole veterinary team
One of the most significant proposals is extending statutory regulation beyond veterinary surgeons to include veterinary nurses and other allied veterinary professionals through a licence-to-practise system.
I’m really aware from my own experience of the expertise and dedication that exists and that we rely on, across the wider veterinary team. Veterinary nurses, farriers, physiotherapists, equine dental technicians and many others make a valuable contribution to animal care every day.
In recognising and regulating a broader range of professions as a sector we can provide greater clarity about roles and responsibilities, protect professional titles, and enable appropriately qualified professionals to work to the full extent of their competence. This will importantly help create a more flexible and resilient workforce while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and public confidence.
A more modern approach to regulation
The proposals also include reforms to fitness-to-practise processes.
The current system focuses heavily on past alleged misconduct and professional disrepute offering limited options for intervention. Under the proposed framework, regulation would move towards a modern "current impairment" model that focuses on whether a professional currently presents a risk and what support may be needed to help them practise safely and effectively.
As veterinary professionals we carry significant responsibilities and should be supported to maintain the high standards expected of them. A proportionate, modern regulatory approach can help achieve this while ensuring animals, consumers and the wider public remain protected.
However, a thriving veterinary sector depends not only on effective regulation, but also on strong professional leadership. By supporting professional development, collaboration and excellence across the veterinary team, professional leadership helps ensure the sector is equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.
Reflecting how veterinary services are delivered today
Another significant and welcome proposal is the introduction of statutory regulation for veterinary and animal healthcare businesses.
Veterinary business ownership models have evolved, practices have grown, and consumers increasingly expect transparency and consistency in the services they receive. The proposed licensing framework for businesses will establish clear standards relating to areas such as clinical governance, staffing, consumer information and accountability.
At the same time of course regulation should remain proportionate and outcomes-focused, avoiding unnecessary burdens while maintaining confidence in the sector.
Building trust and confidence
Trust is fundamental to the relationship between veterinary professionals and the public.
The White Paper therefore includes proposals to strengthen consumer protections through greater transparency, clearer complaints processes, access to mediation, and potential future arrangements for binding redress where complaints cannot otherwise be resolved.
Alongside these measures are proposals for strengthened governance and oversight of the regulator to help ensure that it remains transparent, accountable and focused on the public interest.
Looking ahead
I recognise that these proposals represent significant change. Change can sometimes feel challenging, particularly for a profession that is already facing workforce pressures and increasing demand.
I do though, firmly believe that modern legislation provides an opportunity to strengthen our professions, improve clarity and accountability, make better use of the talents across the whole veterinary team, and maintain public trust in veterinary services.
Above all, these reforms are about supporting a thriving veterinary sector that continues to deliver excellent outcomes for animals, the public and veterinary professionals for decades to come.
My thanks go to everyone who contributed to the consultation and helped shape these proposals. Your insights have been invaluable and will continue to be important as this work progresses.
Together, we can build a modern regulatory framework that supports the future of the veterinary sector and the vital role it plays across the United Kingdom.
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