"Attitudes and behaviours towards colleagues with mental ill-health are influenced by those at the top" - Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters manager.

MMI and VMG join forces to create online tool for veterinary leaders and managers. 

A new training initiative to educate veterinary leaders and managers on mental health in the workplace has been announced by the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI).

A collaboration between the MMI and the Veterinary Management Group (VMG), the initiative will be delivered online through a series of resources, reading materials and workshops.

Workshop one will cover the Equality Act, mental health and reasonable adjustment, while workshop two will cover return to work for those who have to take time off owing to mental ill-health and how to support them back into the workplace.

The collaboration is available as a free standalone module or as a module for those undertaking VMG's accredited leadership and management qualifications.

Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters manager, commented: “We’re very thankful to VMG for integrating our mental health training materials onto their online platform and in their popular courses.

"Attitudes and behaviours towards colleagues with mental ill-health are influenced by those at the top. Direct line managers play an absolutely crucial role in our wellbeing and mental health, therefore equipping managers with these tools is an essential part in improving and supporting the mental health of the veterinary workforce."

She continued: “If veterinary managers and leaders have been trained in legal obligations and how to properly support colleagues and reintegrate them back into working life, then we can hopefully see a culture shift throughout the professions to make a place where veterinary professionals can continue to work and indeed thrive as veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.”

Those interested in the standalone module may contact Hannah Perrin, VMG learning and development manager, at hannah.perrin@vetmg.com

Further information about the VMG’s veterinary leadership and management course is available at vetmg.com