Overhaul of the current Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 has been a long time coming. Many organisations, including BVNA, have been calling for brand new legislation to replace the existing Act, which at nearly 60 years old is significantly outdated.

Whilst it may seem that progress to date has been slow, this year we have been making huge strides towards new legislation becoming a reality. BVNA is currently working alongside UK Government, in a stakeholder group set up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). We are providing the sole veterinary nursing representation within this working group, which is also made up of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the Veterinary Schools Council (VSC) and other government departments.

Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act – What does it mean, and why does it matter?

In this blog, BVNA President Lyndsay Hughes outlines the work BVNA has been undertaking throughout 2025 so far, in steps towards brand new legislation.

Veterinary Surgeons Act Reform – What does it mean for veterinary nurses?

In the first of this three-part series, we discuss the impact a new VSA could have on veterinary nurses, and the ways of working of the veterinary team. We also provide an insight into the work BVNA has been carrying out in this area, and important opportunities for you to directly influence future legislation.

Veterinary Surgeons Act Reform – Regulation of the veterinary professions

In the second of this three-part series on VSA reform, we cover regulation of individual veterinary professionals. We also discuss why legislation needs to change to enable more effective regulation, what this means for individual RVNs and wider practice teams, and BVNA’s vision for future regulation of RVNs.

Veterinary Surgeons Act Reform – Practice Regulation

In the final session of this three-part series on VSA reform, we cover regulation of veterinary practices. We also discuss why legislation needs to change, in order to safeguard animal welfare, the veterinary team and clients.

BVNA Congress 2025 – Updates on Potential VSA Reform

During BVNA Congress 2025, we were joined by a panel of expert speakers to explore the work which has been led by the UK Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) throughout 2025 so far.

BVNA welcomes UK government commitment to consult on Veterinary Surgeons Act reform

Following the Chancellor’s Autumn 2025 Budget Statement made on Wednesday 26th November, BVNA is delighted at the UK Government’s commitment to consult on potential reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.