Relevant Legislation for Work Placement Opportunities

Relevant Legislation:

Animal Welfare Act 2006: This is the principal animal welfare legislation in the UK. The Act places a duty of care on people to ensure they take reasonable steps in all the circumstances to meet the welfare needs of their animals to the extent required by good practice. It includes provisions against causing unnecessary suffering and conducts amounting to neglect.
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: This act protects native wildlife, regulates the release of non-native species, enhances the protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and incorporates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulation into UK Law.
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966: This regulates the veterinary profession. It allows only registered members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to practice veterinary surgery. It’s important to be aware of activities which are considered to be veterinary surgery, particularly in the context of farm animals and equine work placements.
The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976: This legislation governs the keeping of certain kinds of dangerous animals. This law is relevant when undertaking work placements in zoos or similar settings.

Health & Safety Legislation:

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: It sets out the general duties of employers, self-employed and employees regarding health and safety in the workplace. As a placement student, you also have responsibility to ensure your actions do not cause harm or risk to others.
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH): These regulations protect people against risks to their health when dealing with hazardous substances at work. Important when handling chemicals or substances, such as cleaning solutions in a kennel or veterinary practice.

Regulations Concerning Work Experiences:

Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: Some animal-related work placements might place you in contact with vulnerable groups. This act aims to prevent unsuitable individuals from working with these groups.
Equality Act 2010: This act legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace. This applies to work experience placements too, no one should be discriminated against based on protected characteristics such as race, disability, gender reassignment, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Data Protection Act 2018: This replaced the Data Protection Act 1998 and implemented the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) into national law. Relevant if you handle personal data of individuals during your work placement.

Always remember, the legislation above is in place to protect you, the animals and the business. Make sure to familiarize yourself with them before your work experience to understand your rights and responsibilities.