Spot-checks on the horizon for accredited practices

A condition of the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme is that accredited practices will be inspected every four years, but may also be subject to spot-checks at any time.

From January 2007, spot-checks may occur at any time throughout the year. This year, spot-checks of a number of randomly selected accredited practices will take place between 1 October 2006 and 30 November 2006.

At any time during this period, an Inspector may visit an accredited practice to check that the standards are being complied with. He or she will telephone 24-48 hours in advance of this visit.

Please note that this is not a full inspection, although the Inspector may look at any of the individual matters covered during a "regular" inspection.

There is no fee to the practice for this check.