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RCVS: New Code of Conduct

The RCVS Council has approved a new draft Code of Professional Conduct for consultation.

Veterinary professionals are now urged to ensure that the content, format and presentation of the proposed new Code meets their current and future needs as well as those of the animal-owning public.

Based on the FVE (Federation of Vets of Europe), the new code will contain a lot less detail than the current Guide and focus on key principles in a way that the RCVS hope is more simplified . It will be supported by secondary guidance and advice.

There are also some new additions to the Code and these include compulsory PDP (Professional Development Phase), a clearer obligation to record CPD, the self-notification of criminal convictions and ensure assessment of outcomes with clinical governance.

The draft code is a marked change in style and format and incorporates a revised declaration, underlining the primary importance of animal health and welfare.

The new code will outline five overarching duties of veterinary surgeons that need to be maintained:

1)Professional competence
2)Honesty and integrity
3)Independence and impartiality
4)Client confidentiality and trust
5)Professional accountability

The views of veterinary professionals are critical when it comes to fundamental changes to existing protocols. We will be providing an opportunity to give feedback on the proposed new Code of Conduct with our survey, which will be available next week.

For more information on the new Code, click here.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk