The RCVS is the regulatory body for veterinary surgeons in the UK. Its role can be summarised by the strapline:

'Promoting and Sustaining Public Confidence in Veterinary Medicine'

In effect, the RCVS is made up of three distinct organisations:

The College as a statutory regulator-undertaking the statutory responsibilities set out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 - to maintain a register of veterinary surgeons eligible to practise in the UK; to regulate veterinary education and to regulate professional conduct;

The College - acting as 'a Royal College' - exercising powers under the Royal Charter to award Fellowships, Diplomas and Certificates to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and others, and to act as an informed and impartial source of opinion on veterinary matters;

RCVS Trust - a separate charity established to promote and advance the study and practice of the art and science of veterinary surgery and medicine - by providing the RCVS Library and Information Service and a range of grants largely to support educational and research activities.

The RCVS was established in 1844 by Royal Charter to be the governing body of the veterinary profession. Its statutory duties are currently laid out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The RCVS safeguards the interests of the public and animals by ensuring that only those registered with the College can carry out acts of veterinary surgery.