A major consultation of the National Occupational Standards required by veterinary nurses will take place throughout April 2010, giving veterinary nurses, employers and organisations the opportunity to ensure their ways of working are accurately reflected.

Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, is leading the UK wide project, which will lead to a revised list of skills needed for student and registered veterinary nurses to be able to do their job properly. Lantra is seeking individuals and organisations representing veterinary nursing and veterinary surgeons to participate in the online consultation and help ensure that National Occupational Standards fit modern business needs.

Lisa Jarvis, Industry Partnership Manager for veterinary nursing at Lantra and a RVN herself, said: "The National Occupational Standards identify the detailed knowledge, understanding, ability and experiences somebody needs to carry out their job effectively and they also form the basis of veterinary nursing qualifications. Industry input is critical for this review and so now is the time for you to go online and have your say."

Many employers and industry representatives from across the UK are supporting this extensive review.

Catherine Corden, a Veterinary Surgeon at the Northlands Veterinary Hospital, said: "I decided to get involved with this review so that I can actually contribute to the changes in the standards, instead of moaning about them afterwards. I think they are really important for industry as they maintain the standards of veterinary nurse training and I think industry should be getting involved with the upcoming consultation to help ensure these changes are relevant to the profession at large."

The online consultation will take place from Thursday 1 April to Friday 30 April, and will give all those interested parties the opportunity to review and comment on the standards for veterinary nurses.

Lisa said: "National Occupational Standards cannot be developed without your help. Only by working together can we ensure that the revised Standards will take into account any new business practices and make them fit for purpose and valued by employers."

To take part in the consultation and help industry get the most out of the skills system, visit www.lantra.co.uk/vn-nos. For more information about National Occupational Standards, email standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk, or call Lantra on 02476 858 424.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.