CONSULTATIONS
28 November 2023
Industry consultation is open for the draft Code of Conduct
The Allied Veterinary Professional Regulatory Council (AVPRC) is working towards safeguarding animal welfare and the public interest through regulation and standard setting for veterinary nurses, technicians, and allied animal healthcare practitioners. Part of this is through providing guidance about ethical conduct for all allied veterinary professionals (AVPs).
We are excited to invite you to contribute to the development of our draft Code of Conduct applicable to all registered AVPs. Embodying seven key principles, each equally significant, the code sets the standard for ethical and professional behaviour.
Your input is invaluable to us, and we invite you to review the draft Code of Conduct available here: AVPRC draft Code of Conduct. Whether you're a veterinary nurse, technician, nursing student, or another allied professional on our register, your voice matters. Share your insights and perspectives by providing feedback before 5pm, Tuesday 12 December, 2023, through this link: Feedback on draft Code of Conduct.
This collaborative effort will define the framework of professional conduct for AVPs in the years to come, with implementation scheduled for early 2024. Your thoughtful consideration of this Code is a crucial step toward shaping the future of our profession. Thank you for being an integral part of this transformative journey.
What does this mean for you?
The Code of Conduct advises AVPs, and tells the public, what they can expect of an AVP in terms of the professional role. It also provides a benchmark for evaluating the conduct of AVPs. It informs AVPs of the standard of practice that registered AVPs are professionally accountable to and also explains the professional behaviour and ethical conduct people can expect from an AVP when their animal is receiving care.
If you are a registered veterinary nurse, or allied veterinary professional, the Code will be a useful guide to your professional conduct. Eventually, when regulation is legislated, the Code will set out the legal requirements, professional behaviour and conduct expectations for AVPs in all professional settings.
Who should provide feedback?
The aim for this consultation is to provide an effective representation of what the professions require from conduct of veterinary nurses and allied veterinary professionals. We would like to hear the opinions of all those involved in the sector including those who employ and work alongside veterinary nurses and allied veterinary professionals. We welcome comments from all veterinary nurses, veterinarians, veterinary nursing students, and practice managers.
Finalising the Code
All feedback from this consultation will be considered and a final Code will be published early in the new year. As this is the first year of the Code being published, there will be an opportunity for members of the sector, and the public, to give feedback at any time. The Code will undergo a formal review in 18 months to review any emerging issues and ensure the Code is fit for purpose.