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As part of this change, veterinary training company Improve International was awarded a contract for training and revalidating OVs in England, Scotland and Wales. It launched the new website and registration database containing details of the new process and the new OV qualification, the 'Official Controls Qualification (Veterinary) - or OCQ(v) during August. Existing OVs have 'grandfather rights' as long as they register on the new database by 31 March 2015. In addition, a revalidation requirement has been introduced for the first time which ensures all OV’s will remain up to date.
Under the new system, individuals or employers fund their own OV training but AHVLA believes that the modest cost will be more than offset by the benefits offered both to vets and their practices. These include more accessible training routes with vets now able to access the majority of course content 24/7 on the new website and without having to be absent from the practice to attend training.
The training modules have been developed by Improve International, in conjunction with its assessment partner the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and Harper Adams University, which validates the qualifications.
Simon Hall, Veterinary Director at the AHVLA, explained the context for the changes and what they are designed to achieve: "OVs perform an important role in protecting our nation against disease and supporting the economic vitality of the livestock farming industry. It is in the national interest that this role is consistently performed to the highest possible quality in order to maximise the effectiveness of the work undertaken in controlling disease. The new approach to training OVs has, at its core, this aim.”
David Babington, Managing Director of Improve International, commented: "We have brought our 16 years of experience in developing veterinary CPD to bear both in the development of the new OV website and database and in the creation of the training modules for the various OCQ(v)s, which are being rolled out over the next year.
The response so far both from existing OVs seeking to register and vets applying for the first time confirms the desirability of these qualifications in a competitive veterinary sector where professionals are actively seeking the additional skills that will help them stand out in the crowd."
Notes:
1. The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, working across Great Britain on behalf of Defra, Scottish Government and Welsh Government. AHVLA’s role is to safeguard animal health and welfare as well as public health, protect the economy and enhance food security through research, surveillance and inspection.
2. AHVLA primarily works to prevent and control animal disease across Great Britain through activities on farms, at markets and other livestock-related premises, and through specialist veterinary laboratory and scientific services. AHVLA is also responsible for advising policy-making departments and providing veterinary evidence base for animal health and welfare policy decisions.
3. Official Veterinarian (OV) is the term used to describe a veterinary surgeon authorised to perform work on behalf of an EU member state. OVs perform a range of activities, funded both privately and taxpayer funded. Examples of activities performed include testing for bovine tuberculosis, export certification and issuing passports under the Pet Travel Scheme.
4. Improve International was founded in 1998 by veterinary surgeons from across the UK, including a number of recognised experts. Based in Swindon, it provides high quality CPD in a range of formats for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, receptionists and practice managers to help them develop their skills and knowledge, using a combination of review lectures, case-based discussion and where, applicable, hands-on practical sessions. For further information visit: www.improve-ov.com