Looking after the veterinary profession

Complaints & the RCVS - Professional Misconduct in Colleagues

Making a Complaint Against a Colleague

This page looks at the issues for people considering making a complaint against a colleague. If you have been the subject of such a complaint yourself, go to the overview of Complaints and the RCVS.

There may be occasions where you feel that an employer, employee or colleague is acting in a way which is unethical, illegal, immoral or grossly incompetent. Examples might include:

  • Lying to clients

  • Charging for work that has not been done

  • Failing to ensure twenty four hour cover

  • Misuse of medicines

  • False certification

  • Working while under the influence of drink or drugs

  • Insurance fraud

  • Physical mistreatment of patients.

This is of course political dynamite and carries all the potential for destroying working relationships. It needs to be handled extremely sensitively.

It's difficult…

Understandably, people are reluctant to make a complaint in these situations as they fear they might have misunderstood the position, might be being over-sensitive, might jeopardise their employment prospects, don’t want to “rat on” a colleague or are concerned about breaking client or commercial confidentiality and ending up in trouble themselves.

The easy option

It is easy just to change jobs or dismiss the person concerned rather than confronting their behaviour – but this leaves them able to continue their activities. Under some circumstances you may have a duty to the public and their animals to take preventative action.  

Have a quiet talk

If you feel that an employer, employee or colleague is behaving illegally or unethically your first course of action should be to discuss the matter with them calmly and in a non-accusatory manner. It may after all, be you who has misunderstood what you think you have seen. Have a look at the Employment – Managing Conflict page for some tips.

If you can't, get advice from the RCVS before proceeding

If you feel unable to have this conversation, or if the outcome has not satisfied you – before making any move to report a colleague to the RCVS, police or other regulatory authority it's important to seek advice from the Professional Conduct Department at the RCVS. Ring 0207 222 2001 and ask for the Professional Conduct Department.

If Addiction and/or Substance Abuse is Involved

If you feel that an employer, employee or colleague is abusing alcohol or drugs, again, your first course of action should be to discuss the matter with them. Alternatively, or if you are not satisfied, you can ring the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme (VSHSP) in confidence. The VSHSP has been established by the veterinary profession to help combat problems of alcohol and drug abuse or addiction amongst a proportion of its members. Contact the VSHSP National Co-ordinator on 07946 634220 or at VSHSP@vetlife.org.uk, or see the links below for more information.

See also the section on Addiction and Eating Disorders

Get Some Emotional Support

If you feel distressed or depressed by the situation in which you find yourself, you can ring Vet Helpline on 07659 811 118 (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone). Friendly people with personal experience of the veterinary profession are there to talk to you in complete confidence.