"As Vetlife we have paid particular attention to matters which we consider may have a potential bearing on the wellbeing of the veterinary community we serve" - Graham Dick, Vetlife president.

Charity focuses on health and wellbeing aspects of the LWP report.

Veterinary mental health charity Vetlife has welcomed an opportunity to comment on the proposals of the RCVS Legislative Working Party Report (LWP).

The organisation's board of trustees unanimously approved a document at its meeting on 17 February, which has since been submitted to the RCVS.

The LWP Report was developed over three years in response to concerns that current legislation - the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 – is 'overly burdensome, prescriptive, and therefore no longer fit-for-purpose'. Among its key recommendations include:

• embracing the vet-led team
• enhancing the veterinary nursing role
• assuring practice regulation
• introduce a modern ‘Fitness to Practise’ regime
• modernising RCVS registration.

In June 2020, RCVS council approved a consultation on the proposals set out in the report. Open to all veterinary professionals and members of the public, the consultation also covers proposed interim reforms to the disciplinary system that would bring the RCVS closer to regulatory best practice without the need for primary legislation.

Vetlife president, Graham Dick said: “Vetlife welcomes the process undertaken by the RCVS to gather views on the potential impact that implementing the LWP recommendations may have. We recognise that every RCVS member is entitled to submit their own personal views during this consultation period; however, as Vetlife we have paid particular attention to matters which we consider may have a potential bearing on the wellbeing of the veterinary community we serve.”

He added: “We are confident that our input will be considered an important contribution to the current deliberations on progressive reforms and welcome further dialogue to ensure the best possible outcomes for the profession.”

The LWP Report consultation, which can be found here, is open until 5 pm on Friday, 23 April 2021.