The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has now published its response to the Competition & Markets Authority’s (CMA) ‘Issues Statement’, which sets out the CMA’s initial theories on what might be affecting competition in the sector and the potential solutions or ‘remedies’ that could be considered.
The CMA published its Inquiry Group’s statement on 9 July 2024, as part of its ongoing market investigation into veterinary services for household pets which was launched on 23 May 2024.
The College’s response was developed by the RCVS CMA Working Party which is chaired by RCVS Council lay member Claire McLaughlan. The response includes a summary response and detailed responses to specific points in the Issues Statement, as well as further contextual information about the day one competences for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses and data on how Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) develops professional communication skills for new graduates.
In the summary statement the College outlines, in response to the CMA’s comments on the possible deficiencies of the current regulatory framework, how it has been campaigning for new primary legislation to include mandatory regulation of veterinary practice premises, regulation of wider members of the veterinary team and reform of its complaints and disciplinary processes.
It also highlights how the College has been working proactively, in the absence of new legislation, to effect positive change in the sector, for example, by setting up and funding the independent Veterinary Client Mediation Service to help resolve veterinary consumer disputes, and ensuring veterinary surgeons have the skills and knowledge needed to meet the needs of the public via the VetGDP.
The summary response ends by saying:
“In summary, the RCVS is supportive of the CMA’s investigation and feels it highlights the clear need for new veterinary legislation and greater scope for the College to regulate veterinary service delivery in all its forms. We have pushed as far and as creatively as we can within the boundaries of current legislation.
“Mindful of some of the matters the Issues Statement raises, the College has for some time had a focus on outcomes-focused education, innovation and workforce, although this work will take time to yield results.
“We remain keen to better understand what additional consumer and competition remedies the CMA may wish to see put in place, and will support the delivery of these, where feasible and appropriate.
“Ultimately, we are mindful of the paramount importance of animal health and welfare, and the sustainability of access to veterinary care. We would urge the CMA to consider these important factors when coming to their conclusions.”
The full response can be downloaded from: www.rcvs.org.uk/document-library
CMA call for vet/VN advisers
The CMA has asked the RCVS to inform the professions that it is looking to appoint between two and six vets and vet nurses for an advisory panel, to provide advice to the CMA Inquiry Group during its market investigation into veterinary services.
The CMA states:
“The role of the vet/VN advisers would be to provide the Group with insight and analysis on an ad hoc basis on matters relating to practising as a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary nurse.
“Engaging specialist input on veterinary matters would assist the Group in fully understanding the veterinary industry and help bolster the robustness of any analysis undertaken. Having the panel on standby would enable the Group to obtain this input in a timely manner.
“We are seeking experienced registered veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are currently working in clinical practice in the veterinary sector or have worked in clinical practice within the last 12 months.”
The full invitation to tender is available online and the deadline for applications is 12pm on Tuesday, 6 August 2024.
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