Pilot Programme coming in 2027

The Professional Practice Review (PPR) is a pilot programme that will be trialled during 2027. It provides assurance that practising veterinarians continue to meet expected professional standards, while also supporting learning and consistency across the profession.

The PPR is not a disciplinary process and is separate from complaints or conduct investigations.

PPR Is	A supportive, quality-assurance check focused on specific topics within practice environments (e.g. AMS, Emergency Care After Hours, Privacy and Data) A way to provide public assurance and identify learning or support needs
PPR Isn't	A complaints, investigation, or disciplinary process Automatically linked to a change in registration status A replacement for the BestPractice accreditation scheme

 

Why is this being introduced?

Public trust in the profession relies on confidence that veterinarians remain competent throughout their careers. Most veterinarians practise to a high standard every day. The PPR adds an extra layer of assurance in a way that is proportionate, fair, and supportive.

 

Who will take part?

The PPR is a pilot, meaning only a small number of practices will be selected. Selection will occur in two ways:

• Targeted selection, based on clearly defined, risk-informed criteria (for example, significant changes in practice scope or patterns of concerns)
• Random selection, where a small proportion of practices are selected at random as part of normal quality assurance

 

What happens if your practice is selected?

If your practice is selected for a PPR:

• The practice will be contacted directly and provided with clear information about the process.
• The review will focus on the current practice environment and how standards are being met.
• The emphasis will be on assurance and identifying any support or development needs.
• The review may include a discussion about your practice and a review of relevant information (for example, records, policies, interviews with clients)

 

Outcomes may include:

• Confirmation that standards are being met.
• Recommendations for professional development or practice support

 

Who conducts the review?

Reviews will be carried out by trained reviewers with appropriate professional expertise. The process will include safeguards to manage conflicts of interest and ensure fairness and consistency.

 

How is this different from a complaint?

A PPR is a proactive process rather than a reactive one. It does not arise from a single complaint and operates independently from complaints, investigations, and disciplinary processes.

 

What’s happening/what can I expect?

So far the Council has:

• Established an independent advisory group to help with the development of the pilot

Next steps:

• In July we will be consulting on the design of the PPR pilot

• Publish guidance and FAQs well before the pilot begins in 2027

 

Feedback from the pilot will be used to determine whether and how the programme continues in the future. More information will be made available as the pilot is developed. If you have questions or comments please contact us at [email protected]