Vet professionals invited to participate in disability survey
"We are calling on as many different people as possible from across the veterinary community to complete our survey" - Claire Hodgson
Veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and students are invited to participate in a survey into disability and chronic illness within the veterinary sector. The research is being undertaken by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS), to gain a range of perspectives on the subject. Participants do not need to be disabled or chronically ill to take part.
The objective of the RCVS and BVCIS research is to better understand the views, experiences and challenges faced by disabled and chronically ill people within the profession. The data will enable the organisations to provide insight into how employers and educational institutions can be more inclusive.
The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is being carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), on behalf of RCVS and BVCIS.
Claire Hodgson, director and co-founder of BVCIS said: “The launch of this joint survey into the experiences of veterinary professionals and students living, working and studying with disability and chronic illness is of vital importance.
“Working in the veterinary professions with a chronic illness or disability can be hugely challenging, but there is currently a knowledge gap in terms of understanding exactly where the problems lie.”
A 2019 RCVS survey of veterinary professionals revealed that approximately 6.7 per cent of veterinary surgeons and 7.4 per cent of RVNs have a disability or medical condition that limits the work they are able to undertake. RCVS believes the actual figures are much higher.
Ms Hodgson continued: “The purpose of this survey is to close that knowledge gap and help us understand how we can better support disabled and chronically ill people in the workplace and education to create a more inclusive working culture.
“Those living with disability and chronic illness are often hugely resourceful and fantastic problem solvers because of the day-to-day challenges they have had to learn to overcome. They have a great deal to contribute to the sector, and it is important that they feel valued and respected and have access to the tools they need to thrive.
“Diversity makes the workforce stronger, so we are calling on as many different people as possible from across the veterinary community to complete our survey so that, together, we can help create a more inclusive workplace for all.”
All those registered with the RCVS will be emailed an invitation to take part in the survey. Veterinary students will be sent instructions on how to access the survey via their educational institutions.
RCVS Knowledge has welcomed Professor Peter Cockcroft as editor-in-chief for Veterinary Evidence. 
