Vets and Veterinary Services
The regulation of the veterinary profession in Scotland is a reserved matter. However, access to veterinary services is an important part of animal health and welfare. In order to ensure the continued provision of an adequate supply of suitably trained vets, covering all areas of the country, the Scottish Government takes part in the Great Britain-wide Vets and Veterinary Services Working Group, maintained by Defra.
In July 2007, to bring external challenge to its work, Professor Philip Lowe was appointed as Chairman of the Working Group and tasked to produce a report on the way ahead. This report is due to be published in early summer 2009.
Full details of the work of the group including its terms of reference, minutes of meetings and key documents are available on the Defra website.
Reports
The following 3 reports have been previously been produced through the working group:
OCP were hired as independent consultants to facilitate the working groups. They produced an objective report of the findings from five working group meetings.
OCP Report on Working Group on Vets and Veterinary Services
The Institute of Employment Studies (IES) report on veterinary career choices and Westley Consulting report on the supply of large animal veterinary services were produced to inform the working group.
IES Report on Veterinary Career Choices
Westley Consulting Report on Large Animal Vets