VetGDP information for practices and workplaces

The VetGDP offers a high quality workplace-based development programme, and if you wish to employ new graduates you must ensure that you are an RCVS Approved Graduate Development Practice.  

• All graduates starting their first graduate job must enrol onto the VetGDP.
• Vets who are returning to the UK practising register after 5+ years away must also enrol.
• Vets who have worked overseas but have less than one years’ experience in a role similar to the one they will be taking up will also need to complete the VetGDP.

The short animation below outlines what you need to consider when you are planning your workforce and graduate recruitment. Underneath this you will find a checklist providing straightforward ‘how-to’ guidance on how to become an RCVS Approved VetGDP practice or workplace.

Find out more about the VetGDP if you’re an employer

• The Veterinary Graduate Development Programme – VetGDP - helps new graduates develop their professional and clinical capabilities in the workplace.
• New graduates must be employed in a VetGDP Approved Graduate Development Practice or Workplace. 
• Vets who are returning to work after a period of 5+ years away from the UK practising register must also enrol onto the VetGDP, although they may be able to apply for exemption in some cases, for example if they have been working overseas as a vet.
• Vets who worked overseas after graduating and return to work in practice with less than one year’s experience in a similar role to the one they are taking will need to enrol onto the VetGDP. 
• Becoming a VetGDP Approved Graduate Development Practice or Workplace involves having at least one VetGDP Adviser who has completed the online training and agreed to support the graduate for at least one hour per week.
• Vets who have been on the UK practising register for at least 3 years can become a VetGDP Adviser. We’ll also ask that employers engage positively with the programme and quality assurance activity, allowing protected time for the graduate and VetGDP Adviser each week.
• In order for your ‘approved’ status to be recorded, the appointed senior vet in your practice must make the VetGDP declaration.
• Once you have completed your declaration, you’ll be able to download the VetGDP logo and other resources from your practice My Account. You can add these to your website and recruitment pages to help graduates identify you as a potential employer.
• Your status will also be displayed on ‘Find A Vet’. All graduates know they need to ‘look for the logo’ when they are job seeking.
• Your employees who are enrolled onto the VetGDP will record their progress through the VetGDP in their e-portfolio and their VetGDP Adviser will also have access to add their feedback.
• To complete the VetGDP, they must demonstrate that they can perform all activities within their role without support – that they have become a competent, confident vet.
• They should agree with their VetGDP Adviser when the time is right to submit their e-portfolio to the RCVS for peer review and sign off. Graduates have up to 18 months to complete the VetGDP, with some taking less time depending on their developmental needs and support required. 
• If you have any queries along the way please contact a member of the VetGDP team by emailing [email protected].