The RCVS Podcast

In this extended episode, we explore an issue that matters deeply across the veterinary professions: suicide prevention. 

Please note: this episode will be centred around suicide. Please remember that if you are impacted by anything discussed, help is available. You can contact veterinary mental health charity, Vetlife, who have a confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as an email service. You can also contact charities outside of the veterinary sector such as Samaritans and Papyrus – details for all of which can be found below. 

From the new 2026 Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) requirements - requiring all practices (including small animal, farm and equine) to have a suicide prevention plan in place - to practical steps practices can take right now, this conversation is all about making support more visible, conversations less intimidating, and workplaces safer for everyone. 

You’ll hear thoughtful insights from experts working across the field, alongside real examples of how leadership, training, and culture can make a meaningful difference. We also talk about the role of stigma, what good prevention planning actually looks like, and why talking openly about mental health is such an important part of protecting people. 

 

Speakers: 

Angharad Belcher – RCVS Director for the Advancement of the Professions, and Mind Matters Initiative 

Alice Duvernois MRCVS – RCVS Lead PSS Assessor 

Peter Kelly – senior psychologist and leading suicide prevention expert 

Dr Rosie Allister MRCVS – consultant manager for Vetlife helpline and suicide prevention and mental health researcher 

James Glass MRCVS – suicide prevention researcher 

 

What we cover in this episode 

Why suicide prevention is now part of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) 

How practices can approach the new requirements without feeling overwhelmed 

What an effective suicide prevention plan should include 

The role of leadership, team culture, and psychological safety 

Why access to means, trauma exposure, and organisational support all matter 

How to talk about suicide responsibly and reduce stigma 

Practical resources, training, and support available to veterinary teams 

Resources 

Vetlife 

Samaritans 

Papyrus  

RCVS Mind Matters suicide prevention in the veterinary workplace – links to the RCVS suicide prevention toolkit for veterinary workplaces - a practical guide to meeting the PSS suicide prevention standard and related suicide prevention requirements in UK veterinary workplaces. 

RCVS Academy courses – free to access for veterinary professionals, including 'Suicide awareness fundamentals'. 

Vetlife suicide postvention guidance  

British Standard BS 30480 on Workplace Suicide Prevention 

RCVS Mind Matters applied mental health science series guides 

Samaritans media guidelines for responsible reporting on suicide 

World Health Organisation (WHO) suicide prevention  

RCVS Mind Matters reasonable adjustments campaign 

The Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model of Suicidal Behaviour 

Time, Space, Compassion- supporting people experiencing suicidal crisis: introductory guide – Scottish Government 

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and focus on suicide prevention in veterinary 

05:45 - Explanation of the RCVS Practice Standard Scheme (PSS) and its levels 

16:23 - What constitutes a suicide prevention plan and how to implement it effectively 

23:57 - The critical role of leadership, culture, and open conversations 

33:06 - Other available resources: Vetlife, RCVS Academy courses, RCVS Mind Matters guides and other support  

41:32 - The importance of responsible discourse and avoiding stigmatisation 

49:54 - Models like IMV (O’Connor, 2011) to understand the complexities of suicidal behaviour 

55:08 - The role of leadership and organisational culture in prevention 

66:29 - Tips for fostering a safety culture where mental health challenges can be openly discussed 

75:38 - Closing remarks: resources, upcoming events, and CPD recognition

In our latest podcast, part two of a two part special on our ‘Next Steps’ project, we’re joined by Miles Russell, Finance and Operations Director at the George Vet Group, current board member and past president of the Veterinary Management Group and former crossbench peer in the House of Lords. In this chat, Miles chats about his experience as, in his words, a reluctant leader, his journey into leadership, the value of problem solving and curiosity, the importance of mentorship and the challenges and rewards of leading teams in an ever-changing industry.

We’ll then be joined by Jen Ayers RVN, head of our free digital online learning platform, the RCVS Academy. Nearing its fourth birthday, we chat about why the Academy was developed, the wide range of on-demand courses available to support veterinary professionals, and what exciting new developments the team have got in the pipeline.

 

Useful links

Discover more on our latest news stories

Visit our Workforce page

Join our Next Steps: Moving into management event

Explore other College events

Check out our free CPD courses on the RCVS Academy

Contact the Academy Team on academy@rcvs.org.uk

Got a question about the podcast or an idea for future content? Email us at podcast@rcvs.org.uk

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 podcast@rcvs.org.uk

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 vnvision@rcvs.org.uk

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 podcast@rcvs.org.uk

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 advancement@rcvs.org.uk

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 podcast@rcvs.org.uk