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VetGDP e-portfolio platform launched
"The new e-portfolio will be a key resource for employers to help them support the professional development of the newest cohort of veterinary professionals." - Dr Linda Prescott-Clements.

All VetGDP progress will now be recorded and monitored on the platform.
 

Yesterday (14 September), the RCVS launched its Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) e-portfolio platform.

Replacing the Professional Development Phase (PDP), the programme aims to support new graduates in their first veterinary role, with trained in-house VetGDP Advisers who will provide guidance to the graduate. 

The now-launched e-portfolio is now available to be used to record and monitor graduate's progress as they work through the VetGDP programme. 

Functionality of the e-portfolio includes; separate sections for each of the overarching activities carried out by the graduate,
an online area to upload documents and record text to capture reflections and feedback, easy-to-view progress for individual cases and tasks across all activities, and the ability to upload photos to record case-specific information.

RCVS director of education, Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, commented on the new programme: “We recognise how important it is to support new veterinary graduates as much as possible during their first job as a fully-qualified veterinary surgeon. 

“The transition from study to work can be a daunting one, and we wanted to create a resource that would help new graduates record and reflect on their journey through the programme and provide a space for the VetGDP Adviser to monitor and support their graduate as they progress.

“We believe the VetGDP programme will have a positive impact on graduates’ development and their confidence during their first role. The new e-portfolio will be a key resource for employers to help them support the professional development of the newest cohort of veterinary professionals.”

Two online workshops are being held by the RCVS to help VetGDP Advisers and graduates learn to use the e-portfolio, one on Friday 17 September, running from 1pm to 2pm, and one on Monday 20 September running from 7pm to 8pm. Further information and booking for these can be found here.

Speaking about the e-portfolio platform, Richard Burley, RCVS chief technology officer, said: “We’ve had excellent feedback about our 1CPD platform which we launched in 2020, and hope that the VetGDP e-portfolio will be just as helpful to veterinary graduates and VetGDP Advisers as they progress through the programme.

“We will be constantly working on and improving the VetGDP e-portfolio, and we are keen to hear the thoughts of graduates and practices using it. We will use any feedback we get to inform future changes or improvements.”

Any graduates who have already completed forms to record their VetGDP activities are encouraged to get in touch with the VetGDP team by emailing vetgdp@rcvs.org.uk, to help transfer data to the e-portfolio. 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.