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Practices wishing to employ new graduates will be required to have at least one trained VetGDP advisor to ensure the provision of support.

All vet graduates from summer 2021 will be required to undertake the VetGDP.

A new graduate development programme to help newly-registered veterinary surgeons adjust to life in the workplace has been announced by the RCVS.

Beginning Summer 2021, the new Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) will see the introduction of VetGDP advisors, who will provide one-to-one support and advice to new graduates to help build up their confidence.

Practices wishing to employ new graduates will be required to have at least one trained VetGDP advisor to ensure the provision of this support. This will involve a short, free online training course that will contribute to their practice being recognised as an RCVS-approved Graduate Development Practice.

The Programme, which replaces the Professional Development Phase (PDP), has been developed in response to feedback from the profession garnered throughout the 2018-19 Graduate Outcomes Consultation.

Dr Sue Paterson, chair of the RCVS education committee, explains: “When we conducted the Graduate Outcomes consultation, one very clear message that came across from graduates was that they felt there was a need for more bespoke, hands-on and one-to-one guidance from a designated person in their practice.

“The role of VetGDP Adviser is to help graduates identify areas of strength and areas for improvement, to closely monitor and provide feedback on their performance, and to support them in finding their feet as a newly-qualified professional.

“We hope all this will help increase their confidence and competence and, crucially, ensure we are doing more to retain our young vets in the profession and that this investment in our young talent will, in turn, benefit practices and the profession at large.”

Formal training for VetGDP Advisers will start from April 2021, but vets are being urged to register their interest 'as soon as possible' to find out more about the role and how it will support new graduates.

The online training will comprise around 20 hours of e-learning which can be undertaken flexibly at any time. It will incorporate case studies, reflective exercises and recorded presentations along with advice on giving effective feedback, coaching techniques and the provision of guided reflection.

Once training has been completed, the individual will be required to carry out the equivalent of at least one hour of support each week per graduate employed. The 'VetGDP advisor' role will include observing their graduate’s practice and providing feedback and guidance where appropriate.

Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education, added: “The programme recognises that the profession would like to see a range of ways to support graduates in the workplace, involving a balance between professional and clinical skills.

"The need was for a programme to reflect their everyday work and professional development in the workplace, with a much greater focus on structured and meaningful support. This support is crucial in developing them beyond their Day-One Competences into becoming confident, capable and independent veterinary professionals."

To mark the launch of the VetGDP, the RCVS has produced a bank of resources for students and those who are interested in becoming VetGDP Advisers. The RCVS will also be hosting online video seminars with final-year veterinary students to discuss VetGDP in further detail early next year.

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