The RCVS is looking for veterinary surgeons to join its newly formed Veterinary Graduate
Development Programme (VetGDP) Subcommittee, which will help to coordinate and
steer the future direction of the landmark scheme.
The VetGDP is launching this summer for the
2021 cohort of UK veterinary graduates and provides a structured programme of
support to new graduates, with trained VetGDP advisers providing this support
on a one-to-one basis directly within the workplace setting. The overall aim of
the programme is to provide a meaningful and
effective period of support for all veterinary graduates in the early years of
their career, helping them during the transition period from study to work, and
resulting in them developing into an assured, confident member of the practice
team.
The new Subcommittee, which was approved by the
RCVS Education Committee at its May 2021 meeting, will be responsible for the
coordination and oversight of arrangements for VetGDP on an ongoing basis.
Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of
Education, said: “VetGDP has already got off to a very promising start with the
training having started for over 1,250 VetGDP Advisers who will be ready to
support our new UK graduates in veterinary workplaces across the country from
this summer.
“With the initial launch well underway, we are
now establishing this Subcommittee to oversee the quality assurance of the
programme, the ongoing accreditation of veterinary workplaces and continual
improvements to the programme, including support for VetGDP Advisers and
graduates involved.
“To help meet these aims we are now seeking up
to 10 veterinary surgeon members for this new Subcommittee. Applicants can be
from all fields of veterinary medicine and science, the key is that they should
have some familiarity with the VetGDP and a keen understanding and interest in
the needs of new graduates and how best to support them.”
The key activities of the Subcommittee will
include overseeing and updating the VetGDP policy and guidance documents;
receiving and considering periodic quality assurance reports and advising
action where appropriate; deciding on exemptions from the VetGDP; managing the
EPA bank,; and, overseeing updates of the VetGDP Adviser training and guidance.
The RCVS is seeking a
range of applicants including representatives from first opinion practice,
independent practices, corporate practices, MsRCVS working in non-clinical
roles, new or recent graduates and VetGDP Advisers. The Subcommittee will also
be looking for a lay member with knowledge and experience of a similar graduate
development programme to join.
Those who are interested will
have until Monday 2 August 2021 to apply to become a member. Applicants are
invited to send a concise email to VetGDP@rcvs.org.uk
explaining their experience of the needs of new graduates and what they feel
they would be able to bring to the Subcommittee.
The Subcommittee is expected
to meet three times a year and will report directly to the Education Committee.
