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RCVS extends VetGDP training deadline
A key feature of the VetGDP is the requirement of a trained VetGDP advisor.
Practices now have until December 2021 to complete the online training. 

The RCVS has extended the deadline to its Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) by six months, to December 2021, to give practices more time to complete the required online training.

The original deadline was June 2021, after which practices looking to employ this year's cohort of graduates should have obtained VetGDP status. But the RCVS said it recognised the 'ongoing pandemic restrictions' and the 'significant additional pressures on practice teams'.

“While we know that some people will be able to complete the online training required to become a VetGDP Adviser quite quickly if circumstances allow, we also know that some people have additional commitments that mean training may take longer to complete,” commented Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education.

“Therefore, instead of VetGDP Advisers needing to have fully completed the online training before the new graduate joins the workplace, we now require that the training has been started and is being actively engaged with, and will be completed as soon as circumstances allow."

She added: “For 2021, we, therefore, expect that VetGDP Advisers will have completed their training by the end of December 2021. We also expect that graduates will be supported during their first months in practice, while vets are completing the online training.”

A key feature of the VetGDP is the requirement of a trained VetGDP Advisor, who will provide one-to-one support and advice to new graduates to help develop their confidence in their journey to become experienced, independent vets

Under the scheme, practices wishing to employ new graduates must have at least one trained VetGDP advisor to ensure the provision of this support. This will involve a short, free online training course that will contribute to their practice being recognised as an RCVS-approved Graduate Development Practice. 

The RCVS will be holding three interactive workshops in February to explain the Programme and the changes that have been introduced. The workshops are open to everyone in the practice team interested in becoming a VetGDP Advisor, taking place on:
  • Wednesday 3 February, 12:00 - 1:30 pm 
  • Thursday 11 February 12:00 - 1.30 pm
  • Monday 15 February 7.00 – 8.30 pm
Dr Sue Paterson, RCVS chair of education committee, and Dr Linda Prescott-Clements will be available to answer any questions which can be submitted live during the events. To submit questions and register for the workshops, visit rcvs.org.uk/vetgdpworkshops

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.