RCVS Academy update - June 2024

RCVS Academy helps practices prepare to welcome newly qualified veterinary surgeons

It’s that time of year again when many veterinary practices prepare to welcome newly qualified veterinary surgeons to the team. The RCVS Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) provides an effective period of workplace-based support for all veterinary graduates as they begin their first role in practice.

The RCVS Academy offers the VetGDP Adviser training course for veterinary surgeons wishing to become a VetGDP Adviser. If you’re a vet who’s been on the UK practising register for at least three years and can offer ongoing support to new graduates, this rewarding role could be for you.

The training consists of six accessible modules, complete with reflections and multiple-choice assessments after each. After completing the course and signing the adviser declaration, you will receive a certificate and become an accredited VetGDP Adviser.

Jenny Soreskog-Turp, Lead for Postgraduate Education said; "The role of the VetGDP Adviser is so important for supporting new graduates in the workplace, ensuring that their first veterinary role is a positive experience with a good learning culture where they can grow into confident and competent veterinary surgeons.

"The course will provide you with information about the role of the VetGDP Adviser and about developments in educational research around supporting graduates in the workplace."

"The course will provide you with information about the role of the VetGDP Adviser and about developments in educational research around supporting graduates in the workplace. You will explore best practices for coaching and providing feedback to graduates, to help support their professional development.”

Perhaps you are already a VetGDP Adviser and want to use your experience to take the next step towards becoming a VetGDP Peer Reviewer? The Academy’s VetGDP Peer Reviewer course will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to review and evaluate completed VetGDP e-portfolios. This includes providing independent quality assurance of content and detailed, constructive feedback to the graduate.

To become a VetGDP Peer Reviewer, you must complete the course on the Academy followed by an online training session.

Both courses are free to access via the RCVS Academy using your My Account login details, where many more courses for veterinary professionals are also available. If you are already a VetGDP Adviser and would like to access the VetGDP Peer Reviewer course, please email [email protected]. 

Learning on the Academy is developed by the RCVS and offers the ability to plan and track your learning. QR codes and direct links make it simple to record and reflect on what you have learned in the RCVS 1CPD platform, which all registered professionals must now use to meet the RCVS CPD requirements.

Anyone with any questions or feedback for the Academy please contact [email protected].