VN Futures DIWP has published advice for practices and training providers.
A new free-to-access guidebook on how veterinary practices and training providers can support veterinary nurses who hold religious beliefs has been launched by the VN Futures Diversity, Inclusivity and Widening Participation Working Group (DIWP).
The guidebook provides advice on how to support veterinary nurses whose religious beliefs require them to wear particular clothes, avoid certain substances, or fit their work pattern around religious observance.
The advice builds on guidance created for veterinary students by the RCVS Diversity and Inclusion Working Group and the Veterinary Schools Council Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Student Support Working Group.
The digital booklet, ‘A Guide for Training Providers and Practices: Religious Clothing and Beliefs’, can be downloaded online.
A collaboration between the British Veterinary Nursing Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the VN Futures initiative aims to promote veterinary nursing as a career and support the existing workforce.
Alex Taylor, BVNA senior vice-president and chair of DIWP, said: “The VN Futures DIWP is proud to have been involved with putting together this guidance document.
“Not only will it provide reliable and useful advice about religious clothing and beliefs for educators, trainers and employers of veterinary nurses, but it will also help demonstrate that the veterinary nursing profession is open to people from all backgrounds, and everyone is valued in a supportive workplace environment.”
Jill Macdonald, VN Futures project lead, added: “The aim of the VN Futures DIWP is to actively address diversity and inclusivity, specifically within the veterinary nursing profession, and consider the support needed by those from diverse backgrounds who are already working within the profession.
“The publication of our religious clothing document is a massive step forward in helping to make sure that everybody not only feels included as valuable members of the veterinary team, but inherently respected for who they are as individuals.”
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