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RCVS campaign to explore reasonable adjustments
RCVS hopes 'Let's talk adjustments' will improve discourse on the topic.
It will highlight the legal obligations of leaders and managers.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has launched its new ‘Let’s talk adjustments’ campaign, as it aims to raise awareness of the reasonable adjustments practice managers can make for their team.

Running until the end of July, the campaign will also address common myths and misconceptions about the provision of necessary adjustments.

A ‘reasonable adjustment’ describes a change that an employer can make to remove or reduce disadvantage linked to an employee’s disability. This might include a change to their working environments or providing additional equipment, services and support.

The campaign, run by RCVS and the Mind Matters Initiative, will involve a series of small projects and activities which raise awareness of reasonable adjustments and the legal responsibilities of employers. It will then explore possible adjustments, incorporating them in specific veterinary examples.

A Mind Matters Applied Mental Health Science Series will also be launched in spring to explore the reasonable adjustments that can be made for mental health conditions.

The campaign is inspired by the Disability and Chronic Illness in Veterinary Work and Education Survey, created by RCVS and British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BCVIS) in July last year.

The findings of the survey revealed a need for more awareness about reasonable adjustments and corresponding legislation. RCVS says that both individuals and workplaces needed more knowledge to effectively implement reasonable adjustments where needed.

Communication was also found to be a key issue, with many calling for a two-way dialogue between team members and their managers. Respondents said that this would empower individuals to request support and give managers the confidence to provide it through quality conversations and adjustments.

RCVS hopes that its latest campaign will improve discourse about reasonable adjustments, encouraging more individuals to speak up about their needs.

Rapinder Newton, MMI lead, said: "We know that physical and mental health are deeply interconnected. Reasonable adjustments can support both physical and mental health but also helps to safeguard mental health through allowing individuals with disabilities to thrive.

"We will be keeping people updated on the campaign, which has its own dedicated section on the RCVS website, via the RCVS social media channels, as well as providing information in RCVS newsletters, so do keep an eye out for this over the coming months."

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.