The Veterinary Schools Council is a membership organisation which represents the voices of world leading veterinary schools across the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. Together, we engage in representative and policy work to ensure that the voice of veterinary schools is recognised for its expertise, innovation and commitment to the proper care of animals.
Guided by evidence-based research, our members work to promote innovative veterinary education and collaboration by facilitating the science underpinning of veterinary medicine and monitoring data and the spread of best practice. By recognising that the health and wellbeing of people, animals and the environment are interconnected, our work aims to highlight the importance of veterinary research for the One Health agenda.
Essential to the policy work of the Veterinary Schools Council are its five committees, each bringing together the leads in particular areas from member schools:
The Research Committee works to develop UK veterinary research capability to improve animal and human health and welfare whilst ensuring sustainability of the environment and security of the food chain. Central to its mission is developing ways to increase funding and training opportunities in veterinary research.
VSC-RC oversees the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Group, which brings together experts from each member school to contribute to research on the impact of AMR and develop engagement with researchers in other disciplines. The group also raises awareness among veterinary students as to the importance of prescribing antibiotics appropriately.
The Education Committee works with the profession and the public to understand how veterinary education and research can best respond to its needs. The committee promotes veterinary education, faculty development and the scholarship of learning and teaching nationally and internationally.
VSC-EC also oversees the following specialist groups:
- Assessments Group
- EMS Group
- Final Year Leads Group
- Student Support Group
The EDI Committee works to champion diversity both in faculty and the student body, and identify opportunities to advance equity and inclusion in veterinary education and research. The committee engages with student and advocacy groups and harnesses the expertise of its members to support the development of VSC policy in this important area.
The Admissions Committee works to continually develop the admissions process and look at emerging trends in selection to share best practice between veterinary schools. VSC-AC works closely with the RCVS and the BVA to promote careers in veterinary science.
The Clinical Committee works with the RCVS, the BVA and other relevant stakeholders to develop and support insights for veterinary clinical education. Part of this work concerns opening dialogue with employers of UK veterinary school graduates to investigate workplace expectations and to evaluate the feasibility of training students outside veterinary teaching hospitals.
