Legal Assessors

The vacancy

*Please apply with a cover letter to be attached to your CV and uploaded as one single document. In the cover letter, please set out your suitability for the role and demonstrate how you meet the Person Specification as detailed above in the Job Description*

The role

The Disciplinary Committee is a tribunal that hears allegations of serious professional misconduct (or “disgraceful conduct” under the Veterinary Surgeons Act) against a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse. They also hear allegations that the veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse is unfit to practise because of a criminal conviction.

The Committee is made up of a combination of lay people and veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses. There are five members on panels hearing cases against veterinary surgeons and three members for cases regarding veterinary nurses.

The role of legal assessor is set out in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Veterinary Surgeons Act (Legal Assessor Rules) [date].

As Legal Assessor your role is to advise and guide the tribunal on questions of law as to evidence and procedure.

You will perform a critical role in ensuring that the committee acts within the law and applies guidance appropriately. You will draft the determination of the panel and work collaboratively with them to ensure that the written determination clearly reflects the law and the RCVS’s guidance. You will ensure that the panel’s reasoning is clearly set out in the determination.

Your role is vital in ensuring that the public have confidence in regulatory proceedings, that the public interest is protected and the health and welfare of animals is protected.

The RCVS values are Clarity, Compassion, Courage and Confidence. You will be expected to demonstrate those values in carrying out your role as Legal Assessor.

Person specification

Qualifications

• You will be a barrister or solicitor of 10 years general qualification (within the meaning of section 71 of the Courts and Legal Services Act1990) or
• Be a solicitor or advocate in Scotland of at least 10 years standing or
• Be a member of the bar in Northern Ireland of at least 10 years standing.
• You are and can demonstrate that you are of good standing with your regulator
• You must hold a current practising certificate.

Advising effectively

You will be able to:

• Demonstrate and apply detailed knowledge of the current law and RCVS rules and guidance.
• Show a commitment to personal development of legal knowledge and skills.
• Understand, recall, and analyse information whilst applying relevant guidance and case law.
• Advise in hearings through fair and objective direction and intervention.
• Provide proportionate, reasoned, unbiased and succinct advice tailored to the circumstances of the case (both written and oral).

Assimilating and clarifying information

You will be able to:

• Identify key issues that need addressing and identify when information is irrelevant.
• Adduce the points of law relevant to the ongoing proceedings and be clear on relevant jurisdictions.
• Advise on the adequacy of committee’s reasons for decisions and ensure determinations reflect the clear reasoning of the committee.

Managing work effectively and efficiently

You will be able to:

• Prepare adequately in advance of each tribunal
• Deal with unexpected issues balancing the needs of the respondent against the requirement to conclude proceedings as expeditiously as possible.
• Work at speed under time pressures and can use time available effectively to minimise delays and help committees to ensure hearings conclude within the allocated time.
• Ensure that determinations are drafted in a timely manner – usually before the end of the hearing day.

Communication

You will be able to:

• Listen actively to all participants, and ask clear, concise, relevant and understandable questions.
• Explain procedures and legal points to all parties in a way that is straightforward, sensitive and ensures the fairness of proceedings.
• Draft clear and reasoned determinations as needed summarising Panel decisions.

Working with others

You will be able to:

• Ensure that proceedings are conducted fairly and in accordance with relevant rules and procedure.
• Recognise different requirements of participants and provide appropriate support to respondents who are not legally represented.
• Demonstrate high levels of integrity, patience, resilience, confidence, and professionalism.
• Show appropriate regard for the autonomy of the committee in reaching decisions.
• Reflect on your own performance and to take on board feedback of your own performance constructively and offer constructive feedback to others.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

You will:

• Proactively demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity and fostering good relations between people who share a protected characteristics and those who do not.
• Ensure that proceedings are conducted fairly and without bias.

Remuneration

• Assessors is £707.27 per day (or proportionately e.g. £353.60 for a half day), plus VAT if registered, in addition to travel and subsistence. The daily rate can be claimed for reading and preparation time in advance of a hearing. Lunch, tea, coffee are provided when the Committee meets.

*Please apply with a cover letter to be attached to your CV and uploaded as one single document. In the cover letter, please set out your suitability for the role and demonstrate how you meet the Person Specification as detailed above in the Job Description*

Closing date: 28 August 2025

Interviews: 15 September – 6 October 2025

Provisional appointments: w/c 6 October 2025

Induction w/c 8 December 2025