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BVNA, have been calling for brand new legislation to replace the existing Act, which at 60 years old is significantly outdated.

Whilst it may seem that progress to date has been slow, in the past 12 months 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.

On 27th January 2026, UK Government and Defra launched a consultation to seek feedback on its proposals for reforms of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. This consultation can be accessed here.

Navigating VSA Reform: Resources for the veterinary nursing profession

Blogs:

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.

Webinar recordings:

17th September 2025: 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.

23rd September 2025: 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.

20th October 2025: 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.

10th February 2026: Veterinary Surgeons Act Reform Consultation – Q&A Session

We know there’s lots of information within this consultation for a busy profession to digest. This discussion panel will help you to break down its contents, along with exploring the opportunities on the horizon for the veterinary nursing profession.

(Follow up answers to delegate questions also available here.)

Discussion panel recordings:

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.

Podcasts:

February 2026: President’s Podcast: BVNA Presidential Team update, including reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act

Communications

28th November 2025: BVNA welcomes UK government commitment to consult on Veterinary Surgeons Act reform

27th January 2026: BVNA urges veterinary profession and public to join calls for reform as UK Government launches Veterinary Surgeons Act consultation