Creating equal opportunities for all

Equal opportunities is something I am passionate about, it means that everyone can achieve their potential without prejudice or discrimination, our human rights are respected and protected, we have equal opportunities to participate in society and there is mutual respect between communities based on understanding and valuing diversity.

The Equal Opportunities Commission was set up under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975. Similar agencies dealt with other categories of equality law in England, Scotland and Wales and in October 2007 these all became part of a new single equality body, the Equality and Human Rights Commission. That’s nearly 50 years.

I have been reflecting on equal opportunities in the veterinary professions. While the majority of my meetings are online, RCVS Council has recommenced Regional Question Times which have been held in Glasgow and Nottingham immediately before Council meetings at the vet schools. It has been insightful to engage with members of the profession face-to-face and a welcome relief from screen interactions. The depth and quality of conversations is so much richer face-to-face.

However, hybrid working is here to stay and with that comes opportunities. For those wanting or needing to live and work in remote and rural areas, online working provides a lifeline. For those with caring responsibilities, again online working is a viable option. Hybrid working gives flexibility, offers exciting new opportunities and broadens horizons.

This, I believe has the potential to positively impact careers in the veterinary professions. It offers possibilities of combining part-time clinical work with other roles which may be veterinary-related, volunteering or providing days for those much neglected hobbies and interests for the benefit of our mental health and wellbeing. I think hybrid and flexible working will play a key part in retention and return to the veterinary workforce.

RCVS Council has agreed to changes to accreditation standards for vet schools and EMS policy which I believe will positively impact equal opportunities. The accreditation standards include many revisions but linked to the topic of equal opportunities, clearer requirements on bullying and harassment specifically on EMS placements.

And that brings me to EMS. While opinions may differ on the name 'extra mural studies’ and how relevant that is for modern day students, the fundamental benefit of experiential learning for students to consolidate the theory they learn in vet school is undeniable. This is based on the evidence collected from students during the pandemic when, with the relaxation of requirements, students reported feeling less competent and confident as a result of the reduced EMS requirement. All students deserve to have equal opportunities.

The RCVS EMS policy which will come into operation in autumn 2024 has sought to balance costs, access and flexibility for all, ensuring that those without the resources, be they financial, networks or access, have the same opportunities for EMS as those with greater resources. The reduced number of EMS weeks, far from being a tick box exercise, aims to navigate this fine line, reducing the barriers while harnessing the benefits of EMS, so no student is disadvantaged.

RCVS Council is a diverse group of individuals each with their own unique experiences and skill sets. It is this breadth of experience and expertise which is the strength of Council. We may not all agree all of the time but it is essential to be able to stand back and listen to another’s perspective and by doing that we learn and grow. Mutual respect is based on understanding and valuing diversity and every day I seek to listen to understand, not to reply.