Research reveals barriers for vet professionals with disabilities
A total of 3,411 veterinary professionals and students responded to the survey.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is calling for more members of the profession to familiarise themselves with the Equality Act 2010, following the publication of new research into the experiences of veterinary professionals with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities.
In response to the findings, the college is also considering how it can best support members to understand their rights and responsibilities under the legislation, potentially through further training and education.
The research, based on a survey of 3,411 veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and students, has been published by the RCVS and British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS). It found that a majority of respondents reported negative impacts to working in the veterinary sector with a disability and/or chronic condition.
These negative impacts included barriers to working effectively, limited career opportunities, having to work harder, and concerns for the future and life outside work.
The study also found that around 25 per cent of respondents felt they had been treated differently at work or during their studies. Out of this group, 45 per cent thought that disclosing their condition(s) had been a contributing factor.
However, the study also identified examples of good practice, with 52 per cent of respondents with a disability and/or chronic condition reporting that they had been offered reasonable adjustments.
These adjustments included changes to working hours, and environment and task adaptations. Some respondents also reported good communication and support from colleagues, managers, and external sources.
The survey was conducted by the Institute for Employment Studies on behalf of the RCVS and BVCIS. Both professionals and students with and without disabilities and/or chronic conditions were encouraged to participate. Seventy-five per cent of respondents reported having at least one disability or chronic condition.
Gurpreet Gill, leadership and inclusion manager at the RCVS, said: “We are so grateful for all the people who took the time to participate with this pioneering research with the college and who have helped us get a clearer understanding and a strong dataset regarding the experiences of those with chronic illnesses and disabilities within the veterinary professions.
“While there are some sobering elements in this report, and some clear and unfortunate examples of poor practice and discrimination, the overwhelming feeling is that there is good will and a desire to help people out there in the professions, but sometimes a lack of understanding and knowledge on how best to do this.”
A summary report can be read here and the full report can be read here.
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Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).
