Working group launched to conduct review of VN education standards ahead of formal consultation

As part of a regular five-yearly review of the standards, policies and procedures for assessing veterinary nursing education, RCVS VN Council agreed to set up a task-and-finish group to look at potential changes to the current standards, ahead of a formal consultation next year.

The standards last underwent an extensive review in 2019, with a small interim review taking place in 2021. The working group will consider potential additions to the standards around environmental sustainability and academic integrity, as well as any amendments that need to be made. 

It is expected that any changes from the working group, which is chaired by VN Council member Simon Williams and includes representatives from both Further and Higher Education, will be put out to consultation with the professions in the early part of next year, with a view for implementation in the new academic year in September 2024.

When the new standards come into force there will be a grace period for Accredited Educational Institutions (AEIs) undergoing accreditation and quality monitoring activities at the beginning of academic year 2024. AEIs with accreditation events scheduled before 1 January 2025 will have the option of utilising the new standards or continuing with the existing standards. This approach will ensure AEIs do not have to re-submit applications or be concerned that they are being assessed against a set of Standards with which they are unfamiliar.

Further information on the proposed changes and consultation will be published in the new year.