Today, the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) has published its response to the UK Government Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) consultation outlining proposed reforms for the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (VSA).

BVNA has called for reformed veterinary legislation for decades, to reflect the capability and skills of the veterinary nursing profession of today – protecting the ‘veterinary nurse’ title, clarifying the legal boundaries of the role to enable greater utilisation of veterinary nursing skills, and opening up clear career pathways and routes for future progression. This consultation represents a key step towards reformed legislation becoming a reality.

BVNA wholly welcomes Defra’s ongoing work towards a reformed VSA, and broadly supports their proposals which include:

  • Greater professional recognition for veterinary nurses, including protection of title and opportunities to enhance the role in future
  • A modernised license to practice regime for veterinary professionals
  • A more forward-thinking and proactive approach to fitness to practice, with a greater range of sanctions available to the regulator
  • Regulation of veterinary businesses, rather than solely of individual professionals
  • Regulation of the wider veterinary team, including currently unregulated allied veterinary professionals
  • A modernised approach to governance and structure of the regulator.

The BVNA response to this consultation can be viewed here.

BVNA President Sarah Holliday commented: “BVNA warmly welcomed the opportunity to respond to this consultation surrounding proposals for the much-needed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, having campaigned for reformed veterinary legislation for many years previously. We thank Defra for responding to our calls for fit-for-purpose and modernised legislation – reflecting the veterinary sector and professionals of today, and which is suitably flexible for the future.

“Veterinary nurses have an integral role within the veterinary team and workforce, along with safeguarding animal welfare and public health, yet this role is not reflected in existing legislation. We therefore particularly welcome the proposals surrounding improved professional recognition for veterinary nurses, including protection of the ‘veterinary nurse’ title, and the potential for further enhancements to the role.

“We also support the development of a modernised approach to governance – reflecting the multidisciplinary approach to patient care, and ensuring veterinary businesses are appropriately accountable for their activities rather than only the regulated professionals working within them.

“While there is not long left, we would encourage as many veterinary nurses and veterinary professionals to respond to the consultation before it closes at midnight tonight.

“We look forward to continuing to work positively alongside Defra and our fellow veterinary stakeholders towards future legislative reform.”

The Defra consultation can be accessed directly here. It closes at 23.59 on Wednesday 25th March 2026.

More information regarding BVNA’s activity within VSA reform, including resources for veterinary nurses, can be found here.