RCVS announces updates to Practice Standards Scheme requirements
The move follows widespread enthusiasm across the profession to learn more about what the sector can do to tackle global warming.
RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) members will be required to meet new environmental sustainability standards under fresh updates announced by the College on Tuesday (5 July).
The changes, agreed upon by RCVS Council at its 9 June meeting, include new environmental sustainability requirements, updates to current standards to incorporate sustainability and a new Environmental Sustainability Award.
The move follows widespread enthusiasm across the profession to learn more about what the sector can do to tackle global warming and improve sustainability in day-to-day practice life. In September 2021, following a recommendation by The RCVS Environment and Sustainability Working Party, the Practice Standards Group initated a project to produce the new standards.
Dr Mandisa Greene, chair of the Practice Standards Group, said: “It’s never been more pertinent that we review the sustainability of veterinary practice, and the introduction of these standards is a first, but vital, step in ensuring that the veterinary professions are doing all they can to manage their carbon footprint.”
The new standards, developed in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Healthcare, will be introduced gradually, as detailed below, to allow participating practices enough time to implement them:
- the new Environmental Sustainability Award is available to apply for now, with assessments starting from January 2023
- the social sustainability changes and other minor clarifications are effective immediately and will be assessed from October 2022
- the new and amended Core Standards and General Practice level environmental sustainability standards will be effective from June 2023.
“Instead, the standards explain ways that practices can increase their sustainability by putting in place new measures gradually over the next 12 months, in time for them becoming mandatory. As with all standards updates, the PSS team are always available to answer any questions that practices have and anyone who is unsure about how to apply them is encouraged to get in touch with the PSS team.”
A list of useful resources to help PSS members meet the new sustainability requirements is available on the RCVS website.
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
