BVA logo
BVA Hails Pivotal Moment For Profession As Government Confirms Plans For Reformed Veterinary Legislation
2 weeks ago 
269 views
In a major milestone for the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) long-standing campaign to reform the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) 1966, the UK Government has today (9 July 2026) published a White Paper, ‘Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector’, that sets out changes to how veterinary services are regulated and introduces greater accountability that will support animal owners.
BVA is strongly backing the proposals, which for the first time will regulate veterinary businesses and other veterinary professionals like farriers and equine dental technicians alongside vets and vet nurses, as well as protect the Registered Vet Nurse title.
The Government’s proposals for a new VSA include:
- Regulation of veterinary and animal healthcare businesses as well as allied veterinary professionals such as equine dental technicians and farriers
- Protection of the ‘Registered Vet Nurse’ title
- An updated Fitness to Practise process to protect the public and animal health and welfare
- Modernising registration by moving to a Licence to Practise system for the whole veterinary team
- Updating the role and responsibilities of the regulator to ensure there is no real or perceived conflict of interest between regulatory and professional leadership activities, with oversight of the regulator by an independent, external body.
Today’s White Paper outlines a clear division of the regulatory and professional leadership functions – something BVA had pressed for – with transparency of funding and independent external oversight of the regulator alongside a strong and well-funded professional leadership function.
Responding to Defra’s plans for changes to veterinary legislation, British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said:
“The publication of today’s White Paper is a landmark moment that takes us one step closer to bringing the Veterinary Surgeons Act in line with the demands of modern veterinary practice. From the regulation of vet businesses and allied professionals to the protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title and a more modern fitness to practise regime, these measures will have a significant positive impact on our ability to do our jobs effectively and strengthen public trust in the veterinary professions.
“The British Veterinary Association has long argued that any governance structure must deliver an effective regulator that is trusted by the public and the veterinary professions. We are pleased that the Government has listened to our concerns and proposed a separation of the regulatory and professional leadership functions, with an independent oversight body to review the regulator’s performance. We also back proposals for the ultimate decision-making power of the regulator to rest with an appointed Board that will include a mix of lay and professional members, a requirement for veterinary businesses and individual registered professionals to pay a licence fee. An important responsibility for the new Board will be ensuring the regulatory function has protected funding enabling it to meet its objectives in a timely, transparent and fair way.
“BVA will continue engaging on behalf of our members with government and parliamentarians, ensuring that the profession’s voice is heard so that the new legislation delivers for the profession, animal welfare, and the public.
“If we want to see a Bill introduced to Parliament next year, continued support from cross-party MPs as well as the veterinary profession will be essential.”
For more on BVA’s campaign to reform the Veterinary Surgeons Act, see:www.bva.co.uk/vsa
More from BVA
- BVA Young Vet of the Year 2026 revealed
- East Dunbartonshire vet named next President of British Veterinary Association Scottish Branch
- Going too far? Overtreatment in veterinary medicine on the agenda at BVA Live
- BVA Young Vet of the Year 2026 finalists unveiled
- Vets warn dog owners of fatal risks of walks during scorching Bank Holiday weather
