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RCVS launches Surveys of the Professions 2024
The Surveys of the Professions take place every four to five years.
Vet surgeons and nurses will be able to have their say.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened its Surveys of the Professions for 2024, inviting both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to share their career experiences and ambitions.

The results of these surveys will be used to inform RCVS’ future strategies and policies for 2025-2029.

RCVS’ Surveys of the Professions consists of two separate questionnaires, one for veterinary surgeons and one for veterinary nurses, which can be taken online. Participation is voluntary, and the questionnaires will remain open until 5pm on Friday 16 February.

The surveys include a range of qualitative and quantitative questions, asking participants about their typical working day, career aspirations and the state of their physical and mental wellbeing.

Responses to the survey will not only be used by RCVS for its strategies, but are also shared with the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), its agencies and other stakeholders and veterinary bodies. All responses are confidential and anonymous.

The surveys can be completed by veterinary professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including those who are working overseas, retired or are no longer practising. Veterinary nurses who are in their Period of Supervised Practice are also eligible to take part.

They will be managed by the Institute of Employment Studies, who will produce a report of the project’s key findings after the survey has closed.

The Surveys of the Professions take place every four to five years, with the most recent study conducted in 2019.

The results of this survey contributed to the formation of RCVS’ current strategy. This has included its work to become a ‘compassionate regulator’, with its focus on the veterinary workforce and its Mind Matters initiative.

This year’s survey is currently live, and email invites have been sent to registered veterinary professionals.

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO, said:  “Our Surveys of the Professions are not just a useful and interesting snapshot of the veterinary professions at a particular moment in time, but are really consequential in terms of what we do with the results.”

She added: “Please don’t miss out on having your say, and a huge thank you for taking the time to support this important work.”

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
VMD issues guidance on AVM-GSL packaging

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has shared advice on its requirements for medicines considered AVM-GSL.

The guidance explains the information that should be on the outer package, and sets out the typical maximum pack size for an AVM-GSL product. It also describes the user-friendly language, structure and phrases required on packaging and product leaflets.

AVM-GSL products do not require discussion between the purchaser and a veterinary professional. This means that clear product information is needed to support sales choices.

The information will be useful for submitting new products to the AVM-GSL category and lowering the distribution category of products from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL.

The VMD's guidance can be accessed here.