RCVS launches largest and most comprehensive study of the UK veterinary sector

Today (Monday 8 January 2024) we have launched our Surveys of the Professions, the largest and most comprehensive study of the UK veterinary sector, which will be used to inform strategy and policy for years to come.

The two surveys, for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses respectively, ask the professions a wide range of both quantitative and qualitative questions, covering everything from what they do in a typical working day, to career aspirations, to levels of mental and physical wellbeing. They are confidential and anonymous.

The surveys are conducted every four to five years and aim to provide information and data that is used to inform our strategic direction, as well as individual policies. The surveys’ results are also used by other organisations such as the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), its agencies and other veterinary bodies and stakeholders.

Lizzie Lockett (pictured), our 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. For example, information from the previous surveys were used to inform our current Strategic Plan, including our mission to be a compassionate regulator, ongoing support for the Mind Matters Initiative, and a focus on workforce-related issues. In a similar spirit, this year’s results will inform the forthcoming RCVS Strategic Plan.

“Of course, the quality of the results of the surveys really depends on hearing from as many of you as possible – so we would like veterinary professionals from all parts of the UK as well as our overseas members, from all backgrounds, of all ages and working on all different disciplines to feed into all areas of the surveys and help us with our research. Please don’t miss out on having your say, and a huge thank you for taking the time to support this important work.”

The RCVS has sent emails containing links to the relevant survey to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses on Monday 8 January 2024. The deadline for completing the survey is on or before Friday 16 February 2024 and regular email reminders will be sent to members of the professions throughout the survey period. The survey is being run with the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) which will also collate and analyse the anonymised data alongside the College’s own research team.