Briefcas EMPLOYMENT
Examples of types of offences
Examples of offences that must be disclosed
• Shoplifting 6 years ago or less( not yet protected)
• Drugs supply( even if the sentence was 4 years or less)
• Animal cruelty offence
• Drink-driving conviction 3 years ago or less
• University fitness to practise finding that concluded your behaviour was unprofessional
Examples of offences that do not need to be disclosed
• Minor shoplifting 12 years ago or more( if a single offence, at any age)
• Possession of cannabis 6 years ago or more( if a single offence, at the age of 17 or under)
• Speeding ticket, littering or other local authority fine
How to make a disclosure
To make a disclosure, visit the RCVS website at https:// www. rcvs. org. uk / registration / renew-or-makechanges-to-your-registration / disclose-convictionsand-adverse-findings / where you will find a link to an online form for completion. Alternatively, phone + 44( 0) 20 7202 0789 or email profcon @ rcvs. org. uk to discuss the matter with the RCVS ' s Professional Conduct Team.
The next steps
When you make a disclosure, the RCVS Registrar will review the case. They may seek legal advice and decide whether the conviction or finding warrants further investigation. Outcomes vary depending on the seriousness of the issue. If the offence is minor or unlikely to affect fitness to practise, the matter may be recorded with no further action or consequences. However, if there is a possibility that the conviction could affect your fitness to practise or constitutes serious professional misconduct, the case will be escalated and referred to the Preliminary Investigation Committee( PIC).
The RCVS will take various factors into consideration, including the nature and seriousness of the offence, any sentence imposed, whether there is / was any risk to animals or the public, and how much time has elapsed since the offence. Consideration will also be given to whether the offence is relevant to veterinary standards, and whether there is evidence of rehabilitation, remorse or positive conduct since the offence occurred.
The RCVS will also look for patterns of offending and consider aggravating or mitigating factors. Aggravating factors include dishonesty or premeditated actions, injury or risk to animals or humans, sexual misconduct, breach of client trust, and a lack of insight or remorse.
Mitigating factors could include the offence being an isolated incident, no harm having been caused, clear effort being shown to change and avoid reoffending, a long time having passed since the offence, and a person ' s personal or health circumstances at the time of the offence.
The RCVS considers certain offences to be more serious and these are therefore more likely to trigger a formal investigation by the PIC. These include:
• Violence( e. g. assault, GBH)
• Dishonesty( e. g. fraud, theft)
• Animal welfare violations
• Sexual misconduct
• Drug offences
• Discrimination or harassment
• Drink-driving( depending on circumstances).
Your legal and professional duty
The RCVS places a strong emphasis on honesty, integrity and public trust. Being upfront about your criminal history, where required, is not only a legal obligation but a professional one. Failure to disclose a relevant conviction can, in itself, be seen as misconduct.
If you are unsure whether a particular conviction must be disclosed, it is always safer to seek guidance directly from the RCVS or to consult legal or regulatory professionals. Disclosure does not automatically lead to disciplinary action; in many cases, context and character can have a bearing on the outcome.
Further reading
Further guidance on this subject is available on the RCVS website at: https:// www. rcvs. org. uk / concerns / reference-information / rcvs-protocol-onhandling-of-convictions-cautions-and-adverse /
For confidential advice on employment matters, contact the BVNA Members Advisory Service( BMAS) on 01822 870270 or at advisoryservice @ bvna. co. uk.
Volume 40( 5) • October 2025
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