RCVS launches trial of new confidential reporting line

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched a trial of a new confidential reporting line for animal health professionals.

Over the next three months, the royal college will be assessing the benefits of the phone service, which allows veterinary surgeons, nurses and other team members to discuss concerns about colleagues on a confidential basis.

Following the conclusion of the trial, the RCVS will determine levels of demand for such a service and decide on this basis whether or not the line should be made a permanent offering.

If callers subsequently wish to raise formal concerns about another veterinary professional, they will generally need to identify both themselves and the individual in question to take it through to the investigation process.

RCVS acting registrar Eleanor Ferguson described the phone line as "a way of allowing members of the professions to have informal, confidential discussions with members of the Professional Conduct Department about potential fitness to practise issues, short of formally raising a concern".

A bespoke concerns form is also available for for members of the profession who want to raise concerns about other staff members.