RCVS Academy launches new course on addressing unconscious bias

The RCVS Academy, our free digital learning platform for the veterinary professions, has launched a new course to support veterinary professionals in recognising, challenging and addressing unconscious bias.

The RCVS Academy, which aims to produce content that supports the veterinary professions in fulfilling their professional responsibilities, has launched the course in recognition that addressing unconscious bias is an important step in creating fairer and more inclusive working environments in the veterinary profession.

The course was developed with RCVS Leadership and Inclusion Manager, Gurpreet Gill, and aims to increase self-awareness, explore strategies to reduce bias and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace.

Gurpreet said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Academy to create this course for the veterinary professions. Unconscious bias is an area that some within the professions may not be familiar with and so this course provides an overview of unconscious bias and its impact in the workplace.

“We also explore strategies that we can all apply to help reduce unconscious bias. This is important in helping to achieve fairer and more equitable working environments, and I’d encourage any veterinary professional, whatever your role, to undertake the course.”

The course features a range of different interactions such as audio, video and scenarios to enhance your learning experience and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete.

Access the unconscious bias course for free via the RCVS Academy using the ‘My Account’ login details, where other courses in areas such as career development, concerns support, the VetGDP, client communications, and advice for student & newly qualified veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are also available.

Fellowship Credential Panel members

Allied to the unconscious bias course, this week the Academy is also announcing a bespoke course, developed with the RCVS Fellowship, specifically for Fellowship Credentials Panel members. Members of the Fellowship Credentials Panels are responsible for assessing applications to the Fellowship in one of the three available routes to entry (Meritorious Contribution to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contribution to Veterinary Knowledge and Meritorious Contribution to the Profession).

The course is designed to provide panel members with the essential skills they need to effectively evaluate the applications and builds on the principles established in the unconscious bias course to ensure that they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to make fair and objective decisions.

Dr Niall Connell FRCVS (pictured), Acting Chair of the Fellowship Board, the governing body for the learned society, said: “This course explores the complexities of assessing applications, ensuring that each candidate receives a fair and thorough evaluation. Participants will gain insights into best practices for reviewing applications, offering constructive feedback, and identifying and addressing potential biases that may influence decision-making. 

By completing this course, participants will gain a heightened proficiency in assessing applications and managing bias, enabling them to support the RCVS’ mission of fostering equity, diversity and inclusion within the Fellowship.”

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 members of the profession must now use in order to meet the RCVS CPD requirements.

If you have any questions about the Academy or any suggestions for improvement, please contact [email protected]