The RCVS Podcast

Navigating change can be exciting, but it doesn’t come without challenges.

Our latest podcast is part one of a two-part special on our ‘Next Steps’ project, which aims to develop a range of resources to support key professional transitions for those returning to the professions after having children, those returning from a career break more generally, and those moving into managerial positions for the first time.

In this first episode, Angharad Belcher, RCVS Director for the Advancement of the Professions, speaks with Lauren Davis, a vet turned pet sleep expert and business founder, live from the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons Congress in Birmingham. In the chat, Lauren shares her personal journey and offers honest insights into navigating the emotional, physical, and workplace challenges of returning to work after having children. Their conversation includes practical advice for employers, managers, and employees alike.

In addition, we bring you the latest news from across the College and our Senior Vice-President, Linda Belton, delves into greater detail about the recent outcome of the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into the veterinary services for household pets market.

Resources:

Discover more on our latest news stories

Visit our Workforce page to find out more about the Next Steps project and sign up to our events (located under the ‘Get involved’ section)

Explore other College events

Check out our free CPD courses on the RCVS Academy

Got a question about the podcast or an idea for future content? Email us at [email protected]

With the deadline for Defra’s consultation on a new Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) drawing ever closer, we’ve been chatting to our veterinary nursing colleagues about what this change could mean for the veterinary professions from a veterinary nursing perspective.

The consultation presents a pivotal opportunity to transform the way the sector works for the better - successful reform could help protect professional titles, expand roles, and modernise our regulatory framework, including around licensing and practice standards, further enhancing animal health and welfare and public trust.

In our latest podcast episode ‘Legislative reform – a veterinary nursing perspective’ find out more about why this consultation is so important and why your voice matters from RCVS Chair of Veterinary Nurses Council, Belinda Andrews-Jones RVN, RCVS Head of Insights, Policy and Public Affairs, Ben Myring, and RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing, Julie Dugmore RVN.

Julie will then be joined by RCVS Veterinary Nursing Progression and Development Lead, Jill Macdonald RVN, to explore the work of our VN Vision project, helping to shape the future of team-based veterinary healthcare.

Useful links

Find out more and respond to Defra’s VSA consultation: VSA reform - time for change | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Find out more about our VN Vision project: VN Vision | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or email [email protected]

Find out about our latest news stories: News and views | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Attend our upcoming events: Events | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Got a question about the podcast or an idea for future content? Email us at [email protected]

In our latest podcast, we discuss reasonable adjustments in the veterinary professions, summing up the work from our recent ‘Let’s Talk Adjustments’ campaign.

The conversation introduces what reasonable adjustments are, the laws surrounding them, and why the campaign was needed.

We then discuss the importance of reasonable adjustments in the workplace – including the personal experiences of our guest, Jenny Seward MRCVS – a small animal vet and clinical director who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 15 years ago. Jenny then goes on to speak about how she now approaches reasonable adjustments from a leadership position, and the importance of opening up conversations with colleagues.

All resources from out Let’s Talk Adjustments campaign can be found on the campaign page: Reasonable Adjustments campaign - Professionals

Got a question about the campaign? Email [email protected]

For more information on the latest RCVS news stories, please visit the RCVS News & Views page here: News & views - Professionals

RCVS podcast page (where full transcript of the episode is available) Podcasts - Professionals

Link to WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb78yutE50UlFWxf4h07

Got a question about the podcast? Email [email protected]

In our latest podcast, the conversation delves into veterinary regulation, focusing on the role of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the importance of legislative reform, and the future of veterinary nursing. Our speakers discuss the need for mandatory practice standards and the potential expansion of the regulatory framework to include a broader range of veterinary professionals. We speak about the importance of public assurance in the veterinary professions and the ongoing efforts to make sure regulation better suits the modern veterinary professions. 

For more information on the latest RCVS news stories, please visit the RCVS News & Views page here: News & views - Professionals

For our latest RCVS events, please keep an eye on the RCVS Events page: Events and meetings - Professionals

RCVS podcast page (where full transcript of the episode is available) Podcasts - Professionals

Link to WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb78yutE50UlFWxf4h07

Got a question about the podcast? Email [email protected]

Summary

In this episode of The RCVS Podcast, ‘Research with Purpose: An RCVS Perspective’, the RCVS Team discuss various topics related to the veterinary profession, including the importance of workforce initiatives, insights from research, and why engagement is the key to progress. They explore the dynamics of vet retention, migration trends, and the myths surrounding the veterinary workforce. The conversation also touches on historical perspectives from figures like James Herriot and emphasises the need for continuous engagement and participation in research to inform future work.

 

Got a question about the podcast? Email [email protected] 

The full transcript is available to view on our website: Research with Purpose: An RCVS Perspective - Professionals

 

Useful links

RCVS Workforce Ambitions Revisited – information on the Workforce project can be accessed here: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/workforce-ambitions-sessions/

RCVS latest news: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/

RCVS upcoming events: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/