This section of the web site 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 section on legal problems, including complaints and RCVS disciplinary matters.

There will 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 or physical mistreatment of patients.

This is an extremely sensitive area. 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. 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. In some circumstances you may have a duty to the public and their animals to prevent this.

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

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. The VSHSP aims to increase awareness by providing information and advice on alcohol and drug abuse and addiction and, for those in need of help to overcome an alcohol or drug problem, to provide guidance and assistance in procuring appropriate treatment and progressing successfully through the recovery process. Their phone number is 07946 634220, or see the links below for more information. See also the section on addictive disorders, including alcohol and drug abuse, gambling addiction and eating disorders.

If you feel deeply 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 intimate knowledge of the veterinary profession are there to talk to you in complete confidence.

• RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct
  
  For information on what is and is not ethical conduct.
  http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/Internal.asp?NodeID=89642
  
  
• BVA Legal Helpline (BVA members only, you will need your membership number ready)
  
  
• BVNA Legal Helpline
  
  All BVNA members have access to a free legal helpline, manned by legal professionals who will answer questions in relation to any subject, not just employment. If you are a BVNA member and you need to ring the legal help line, telephone the BVNA office on 01279 408644 or email bvna@bvna.org.uk, and they will put you in touch with the right person. You will need to have your BVNA membership number ready when using the legal helpline.