All registered and correct?

There are occasional reports of people applying for – and in some cases securing – posts as veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses without holding the relevant qualifications and registrations.

In less than the time it takes to read a CV, you can check online to see if your candidates are properly registered.

It is also worth pointing out that unregistered veterinary surgeons should not be employed to carry out Schedule 3 veterinary nursing activities. Schedule 3 procedures amount to the practice of veterinary surgery, which in UK law can only be undertaken by a veterinary surgeon or certain other categories of people who are specifically authorised by the Veterinary Surgeons Act, such as Listed/Registered VNs.

The college is also keen that job titles in practice reflect qualifications and registration status. Job titles should reflect the experience, qualification and legal status that a member of the public might expect from that person. In particular, unqualified nursing staff should be referred to as 'veterinary nursing assistants'.

Veterinary surgeons are also required to confirm their Register details annually, including their address (which ought to be their work address). Confirmation that details are correct can be made in the 'My Account' area of the RCVS website or on the paper form issued annually in March.

LOCUMS LEGAL?
Before you agree to take on a locum – no matter how short the period – it's worth checking that they hold the relevant qualifications and registrations. This can be done quickly on RCVSonline.

You can also contact the RCVS Registration Department directly on 020 7202 0739 or e-mail membership@rcvs.org.uk.

ONLINE REGISTER
From 2012, hard copy registers will no longer be printed and posted to all registered veterinary surgeons and registered/listed veterinary nurses. Instead, a small number of hard copies will be available to purchase from the college.