RCVS guidance to help practices prepare for VetGDP
Document aims to support veterinary graduates' development
A new guidance document setting out what practices need to know about the forthcoming RCVS Veterinary Graduate Development Programme has been published ahead of its summer rollout.
The VetGDP replaces the previous Professional Development Phase (PDP) and aims to support new graduates in the further development of their clinical and professional capabilities, resilience and confidence, and to establish a fulfilling career as a veterinary surgeon.
It will do this through providing a meaningful and effective period of support during the early years of a graduate’s career.
The introduction of VetGDP means that practices that wish to employ new graduates will need to commit to becoming an RCVS-approved Graduate Development Practice, with a VetGDP sdviser in place who can provide one-to-one support for new veterinary graduates to further develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in the workplace.
‘Build confidence’
Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS, Chair of the RCVS Education Committee, said: “VetGDP builds on what we all do in practice every day when we have a new graduate – we build their confidence by starting with simple, straightforward tasks, and move through to more complex tasks as their knowledge and experience grows.
The VetGDP will support graduates through that process while also providing the VetGDP advisers with the appropriate skills and knowledge to maximise that support.
“The transition from being a student to a veterinary graduate can be truly daunting and I certainly remember in my first few months of practice how important the support of a more experienced colleague was, to help me reflect and learn from my mistakes, as well as celebrate my successes.
Although VetGDP officially starts this summer, practices who employ graduates this year will have until December 2021 to achieve the status, provided they have someone who has started and actively engaged with VetGDP adviser training and that the adviser and practice have committed to supporting their new graduate.
Interactive workshop
To complement the new guidance’s publication, the RCVS will be holding an interactive workshop on the VetGDP guidance on Wednesday 31 March and this will also be recorded for those unable to attend live.
You can register for the event at www.rcvs.org.uk/vetgdpworkshop and will be able to submit questions in advance during the registration process, as well as asking questions during the event.
The guidance can be downloaded in PDF format from www.rcvs.org.uk/publications.
