As you’re all aware, DEFRA has been working towards a reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. We wanted to give you a brief update as to where we are at the moment. Following the gathering of data and views from the different stakeholders in the summer (which we took part in in London), DEFRA issued an initial eight-week public consultation in January, to gain responses on their initial proposals. DEFRA also invited stakeholders to participate in 1:1 interviews, which we have taken part in, to gather further feedback. We want to reassure you that not only are these changes still in the very early stages, and therefore nothing will be changing for allied healthcare professionals at the moment, but also that both us and other stakeholders are insuring that the voice of all level of practitioners is heard, so that when changes do eventually come into effect, the livelihood of practitioners who are currently in practice will be safeguarded. Please do not worry about how the changes will affect you. For now, the main legislation is focussing on veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and the big corporate groups which own veterinary practices. If and when the reform happens, it will most likely include a transition period to allow for all professions to find their place under the new system. In the meantime, IAAT is committed to cooperating with DEFRA and RCVS to help make sure that any legislative changes will protect our Member’s ability to practice.