VetSkill

Yesterday Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published the government white paper 'Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector' in response to the recent consultation on reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA).
We welcome the government sentiment that 'Getting this right matters' and we support protection of the title of 'veterinary nurse' and the expansion of scope of practice for this profession.
We note that our farriery colleagues have been included in the proposed tranche for regulation and that this will extend to further allied professions in due course.
We hope that the views of all professions will be taken into account including those in the first tranche represented by the membership bodies and trade associations British Veterinary Association - BVA, British Equine Veterinary Association, British Farriers and Blacksmiths Association, BSAVA (British Small Animal Veterinary Association) and BVNA (The British Veterinary Nursing Association)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/our-vision-for-a-thriving-veterinary-sector/our-vision-for-a-thriving-veterinary-sector

Our vision for a thriving veterinary sector We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

Thank you to The College of Animal Welfare for promoting the first ever - another of our fabulous centres approved to deliver the VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (C-SQP)!

The first ever National SQP Week is here (5-12 June)! A nationwide celebration of the vital role that Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs), also known as Animal Medicines Advisors, play in protecting the health and wellbeing of pets, horses, livestock and birds across the UK.

SQPs are highly trained animal medicines advisors who can prescribe, dispense and supply certain animal medicines and provide essential guidance to millions of owners every year, ensuring animals get the right treatments safely and responsibly.

Did you know that we run the VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (SQP – Companion Animal) qualification? As an online learning course, it can be started at any time.
Find out more at https://www.caw.ac.uk/course/level-4-award-for-animal-medicines-advisors-sqp-companion-animal/

Great to see VetSkill approved centre for our VetSkill VTEC Level 4 Award for Animal Medicines Advisors (C-SQP) qualification CVTC-Harrogate Veterinary Training Centre showcasing their SQPs for

As part of the we are celebrating all the SQPs at CVTC - Veterinary Training Centre!

You have probably spoken to a Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) without even realising it! SQPs, also known as Animal Medicines Advisors, are often the first point of contact and heir high level of knowledge, qualification and training helps ensure animals get the right products and owners are given advice on correct, safe and responsible use of those medicines.
This National SQP Week, let’s celebrate that expertise.

On Friday 27th March, VetSkill was pleased to deliver the practical assessment for the VTEC Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care) 👏

The assessment was a resounding success, with highly positive feedback received from both candidates and assessors, reflecting the quality and effectiveness of the process.

We are especially proud to report a 100% pass rate, an excellent achievement that highlights the commitment and professionalism of all involved. We look forward to welcoming our next cohort in July 2026!

Discover the VetSkill VTEC Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care) 👉 https://www.vetskill.com/quals/p/level-5-vet-nurse-emergency

VetSkill VTEC Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (Emergency and Critical Care) — VetSkill Qualification Number:  610/3838/6

Have you heard about our newly SCQF approved qualifications? 🎉

Last month, we were delighted to announce that VetSkill has been accredited by Qualifications Scotland Accreditation to offer four more approved qualifications:

🔹VetSkill VTEC Award in Canine First Aid SCQF Level 7
🔹VetSkill VTEC Award in Preventative Canine Dental Care and Oral Hygiene SCQF Level 7
🔹VetSkill VTEC Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants SCQF Level 5
🔹VetSkill VTEC Diploma in Dog Grooming SCQF Level 7

By becoming a VetSkill-approved centre, you can deliver approved qualifications with the peace of mind that your learners are receiving the highest standard of resources, communication and assessment, in line with Qualifications Scotland Accreditation’s Regulatory Principles.

Are you a Scottish education provider looking to offer quality vocational qualifications across a range of sectors? Find out more 👉 https://www.vetskill.com/blog/expand-scqf-offering

Why regulated qualifications matter 🔎

Regulated qualifications are built on nationally recognised standards and independently quality assured. They’re designed to be consistent, fair and reliable, no matter where or when they’re delivered.

That means learners can trust their achievements, employers can trust what a qualification represents, and the public can have confidence that standards are being upheld.

At VetSkill, regulation is integral to how we work.

We’re recognised by the UK’s qualification regulators: Ofqual (England), CCEA Regulation (Northern Ireland) and Qualifications Scotland Accreditation (Scotland). We work closely with them to ensure our qualifications meet robust national standards, are correctly assessed, and are continuously reviewed and improved.

✅ Tip: when choosing a qualification, always look for the Ofqual, CCEA Regulation or Qualifications Scotland Accreditation logo – it shows the qualification is regulated and quality assured.

You can also check approved awarding organisations and regulated qualifications on the official registers:

Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications 👉 https://register.ofqual.gov.uk

Qualifications Scotland Accreditation Qualification Search 👉 https://accreditation.qualifications.gov.scot/accreditation/Qualifications/Accreditation_Qualification_Search

CCEA Regulation Register 👉 https://www.gov.uk/find-a-regulated-qualification

Because when qualifications are regulated, everyone can trust what they mean.

On this , we are delighted to announce the launch of our new End-Point Assessment (EPA) for the Level 3 Customer Service Specialist standard 🙌

Completion of this EPA prepares apprentices to provide direct customer support, dealing with customer queries, purchases and complaints within all sectors and organisation types.

Customer service apprenticeships provide employers with an effective and economical way to build confident, capable, and customer‑focused employees across all levels. The Customer Service Specialist Level 3 apprenticeship is designed for experienced staff who are ready to take on greater responsibility and contribute to team development.

Explore the Level 3 EPA for Customer Service Specialist 👉 https://www.vetskill.com/epas/p/level-3-customer-service-specialist

Explore the Level 2 EPA for Customer Service Practitioner 👉 https://www.vetskill.com/epas/p/level-2-customer-service-practitioner

Level 3 Customer Service Specialist — VetSkill The main purpose of a customer service specialist is to be a ‘professional’ for direct customer support and dealing with customer queries, purchase and complaints within all sectors and organisation types.

Discover CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) recently held a graduation ceremony for its Veterinary Care Support and Veterinary Nursing learners!

Congratulations to those of you who all looked very smart for this memorable event 🎓

What happens during the Level 4 EPA for Animal Training Instructor? 🤔

This apprenticeship prepares learners to be able to plan, manage and deliver the humane training of animals, with particular emphasis on tailoring training to suit a diverse range of guardians and environments.

They are assessed in three ways:

🔹 Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
🔹 Work-Based Observation
🔹 Project, Presentation and Questions

VetSkill’s assessment service is built around flexibility, quality, and most importantly, a supportive partnership.

Find out more 👉 https://www.vetskill.com/epas/p/level-4-animal-training-instructor

Ready to set up an EPA agreement with VetSkill? Get in touch 👉 [email protected]

FREE CPD for SQPs! 📢

Individuals on the VetSkill SQP Register are required to maintain their knowledge, understanding and competence in their role in order to remain on the register.

Remember, if you are an SQP on the VetSkill SQP Register, you can access free, relevant CPD that complies with our register requirements, via The VBMS Training SQP Training Portal 👉 https://sqptraining.vbms-training.co.uk/users/sign_in?next=%2Fdashboard

It’s just less than one month until National SQP Week! From 5-12 June, we’re teaming up with AMTRA Ltd and Vetpol Ltd to raise the profile of SQPs like never before! 🎉 Join us in the celebration by posting with the hashtag

https://www.vetskill.com/blog/national-sqp-week