Nominate someone for a named veterinary surgeon role
This guide describes how establishments should apply to nominate someone for a named veterinary surgeon (NVS) role.
General
This guide describes how establishments should apply to nominate someone for a named veterinary surgeon (NVS) role.
Inspectors in the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) will assess the application and make a decision based on the person’s suitability.
The named veterinary surgeon role
Every establishment using protected animals in procedures needs to appoint an NVS. This person will:
- be responsible for the health, welfare and treatment of animals at the establishment
- provide advice and help the establishment licence holder and project licence (PPL) holder fulfil their responsibilities
- ensure appropriate facilities and resources are available at the establishment for the veterinary care of protected animals
- ensure veterinary care can be provided at all times
They must be a member or fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and have expertise in the species being used at the establishment.
For a full NVS role description, read section 8.6.2 in Guidance on the operation of ASPA.
Before you apply
Establishments must ensure the following before nominating someone for an NVS role:
- they have agreed to be nominated
- they meet all the mandatory training requirements, or they have grounds for exemption
- the named training and competency officer (NTCO) has endorsed their training and exemptions:
- the nominee has discussed their training and exemptions with the NTCO
- the NTCO has checked their mandatory training certificates and evidence to support exemption requests, and emailed them to ASRU Licensing: asrulicensing@homeoffice.gov.uk
- the NTCO has checked any certificates and evidence to support exemption requests, and emailed them to ASRU Licensing: asrulicensing@homeoffice.gov.uk
- you have added the nominee as a user on the Animals in Science Procedures e-licensing system (ASPeL)
- they have updated their training and exemptions in their training record in ASPeL
- the establishment licence (PEL) holder supports the nomination and is confident that the nominee:
- has the recommended skills and experience
- has no significant conflict of interest, and their declaration form is held on record at the establishment
Ensuring mandatory training requirements are met
Nominees must have completed all the mandatory training in the last 5 years before starting the role, unless they have grounds for exemption. This means they have equivalent training or professional experience which makes the training unnecessary.
The only exception is the NVS module, where if they have not completed it in the last 5 years, they must do so within 12 months of starting the role.
The inspector will consider each case individually.
If all training is complete
Nominees should update their ASPeL training record with the:
- certificate number
- institution name
- certification date
You do not need to email the mandatory training certificates to ASRU.
If the NVS module is not completed
In the application, establishments must include a reason why it is not yet completed and the date they will attend the course.
The module must be completed and added to their training record within 12 months of starting the role.
The inspector will add a condition to the establishment licence stating when the module is due to be completed.
Nominees should not ask for an exemption for the NVS module as they still need to complete it.
If the nominee is asking for an exemption
Nominees can ask for an exemption if they have equivalent training or professional experience which makes the training unnecessary. Examples of grounds for exemption are set out under each module in Mandatory training modules and exemptions.
Nominees should make exemption requests in their ASPeL training record stating:
- the grounds for the exemption
- the animal species covered
The NTCO will need to provide additional information to support exemption requests.
Additional information to support exemption requests
The NTCO should provide evidence to show that the nominee has met the learning outcomes for the modules, with the species they’ll be working with. Examples of relevant evidence could include:
- digital copies (images or PDFs) of certificates of overseas accredited training
- a list of the species used, and the techniques undertaken, preferably shown in training and competence records
- a summary of in vivo work performed, and the species used, including specific successes and failures
-
a certificate of competence or letter of endorsement from previous employers or trainers (preferably vets), to verify all of the following:
- the nominee’s in vivo experience (including species used)
- their competence in relation to their work with animals
- their suitability to continue the work
They should email the relevant certificates and supporting evidence to ASRU Licensing: ASRULicensing@homeoffice.gov.uk
Mandatory training modules and exemptions
This section sets out the mandatory training modules required for an NVS role, along with examples of grounds for exemption.
You should refer to the module learning outcomes in Annex A of Guidance for training and continuous professional development under ASPA. Guidance section references are included for each module part below.
L and E1
- Legislation (section 1)
- Ethics, animal welfare and the 3Rs (section 2)
They can ask for an exemption if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- held a PPL or personal licence (PIL)
- been an NVS or named animal care and welfare officer (NACWO)
- met the same learning outcomes through higher level training in animal technology or equivalent training outside the UK
K (theory)
- Humane methods of killing (section 6.1)
They can request an exemption if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- held a PPL or PIL
- been an NVS or NACWO
E2
- Ethics, animal welfare and the 3Rs (section 9)
They can ask for an exemption if in the last 5 years, they have, for example:
- held a PPL
- been an NVS or NACWO
- met the same learning outcomes through higher level training in animal technology or equivalent training outside the UK
Module NVS approved by the RCVS
- Basic principles of veterinary care of animals used for research (section 24)
They can ask for an exemption if they have been an NVS in the last 5 years.
PILA (theory) - mandatory if no species-specific experience
- Basic and appropriate biology (section 3.1)
- Animal care, health and management (section 4)
- Recognition of pain, suffering and distress (section 5)
- Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia (section 7)
PILA (skills) - mandatory if no species-specific experience
- Basic and appropriate biology (section 3.2)
- Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia (section 8)
K (skills) - mandatory if no species-specific experience
- Humane methods of killing (section 6.2)
Recommended training modules
PPL
- Experimental design (section 10)
- Design and management of procedures and projects (section 11)
The NVS should ideally complete the PPL module so they can understand the requirements for project licence holders and provide informed advice to them.
Module Local
- Introduction to the local environment (section 50)
The NVS should be aware of the local structure for management and responsibilities relating to animal use at their establishment, including how key roles and related tasks are carried out.
Skills and experience
In the application, establishments will need to confirm, on behalf of the PEL holder, that the nominee has expertise in the health and welfare of the species they will be responsible for.
Conflict of interest declaration
Any person working under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) should avoid conflicts of interest that may affect their judgement. This is particularly important for the NVS, being responsible for animal welfare.
Before starting their role, all nominees must complete a declaration form and submit it to the PEL holder (or named person responsible for compliance). You can find an example declaration form on GOV.UK.
In the named person application, establishments will be asked to confirm that the declaration form has been completed and a record kept at the establishment.
You do not need to send the declaration form to ASRU Licensing.
Make a conflict of interest declaration
How to apply
Establishments must submit the application in ASPeL.
ASRU will contact you with their decision or if they need more information.
Contact ASRU
If you have any questions email ASRULicensing@homeoffice.gov.uk