Code of Conduct refreshers for recent graduates
Catching up on the Code
The Veterinary Defence Society (VDS), in partnership with the RCVS and supported by other key veterinary organisations, is running a series of graduate reunions over the upcoming months. These are aimed at vets who qualified in the UK or Ireland in 2018, and will be held at graduates’ corresponding vet schools to provide an opportunity for CPD and a Code of Conduct refresher.
The events will enable attendees to connect with veterinary professionals and experts, gaining tailored advice and support. They are also an ideal opportunity for new vets to catch up with each other, discuss what experiences they may have shared in their first year of working and hone their non-clinical skills.
The day is led by a member of the VDS Training team. In addition to this, representatives from the following veterinary organisations will be in attendance to answer graduate questions: RCVS, BVA, BSAVA, BVNA, SPVS, VMG and Vetlife.
Graduates will also be treated to a series of ‘performances’ by professional actors posing as clients and vets, giving them an opportunity to improve their practice by drawing on their own experiences in a fun, interactive and non–confrontational setting.
In addition to this, the day will include a number of discussions around the difference between negligence and misconduct, being asked to falsify documents, out-of-hours work, aggressive clients, and making mistakes, where various representatives will be called upon for their expertise.
The upcoming reunions are scheduled as follows:
- University of Nottingham – Saturday 5 October
- University of Liverpool – Saturday 26 October
- University of Cambridge Veterinary School – Saturday 2 November
- University College Dublin – Saturday 16 November
- University of Bristol – Saturday 23 November
- The University of Edinburgh – Saturday 7 December
Tickets cost £75 and can be reserved by contacting the VDS Training Team.
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
