Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons: Investigation
Stage 1: Triage or Initial Assessment
Each claim is investigated by case examiners in accordance with the Protocol for the Assessment of Complaints. Case examiners decide whether there is an arguable case against the veterinary surgeon complained about. If so, the complaint is considered by the Preliminary Investigation Committee. If there is no arguable case, then the case is closed.
Stage 2: Disciplinary Committee
A complaint may be referred to the Disciplinary Committee where the veterinary surgeon’s alleged conduct or behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with his or her being a veterinary surgeon. This may involve any of the following (the list is not exhaustive):
- Serious departure from professional standards as set out in the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct
- Causing Serious harm (or causing a risk of serious harm) to animals or the public, particularly where there is a breach of trust
- Offences of a sexual nature
- Offences involving violence and /or loss of human life
- Evidence of a harmful deep-seated personality or attitude problem
- Dishonesty (including false certification), particularly where persistent or concealed
If a compliant is referred to the Disciplinary Committee there will be a formal hearing (an Inquiry). The Inquiry is like a court hearing and a complainant will be asked to give evidence under oath.
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