A female vet in pracitice using veterinary equipment

Diversity and inclusion

We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the veterinary profession. We want everyone - from students to experienced professionals - to feel respected, supported, and able to thrive.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Team works to strengthen recruitment and retention, widen access, and drive positive culture change. Key initiatives include research into disability and chronic illness in the veterinary sector, recommendations for supporting minority ethnic students, guidance on religious clothing in veterinary workplaces, and marking important occasions such as Black History Month and Pride.

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Fostering diversity and inclusion in the veterinary professions

The RCVS is committed to fostering veterinary professions where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed, regardless of background or identity.

Our work spans widening access to veterinary careers, strengthening recruitment and retention, and encouraging positive cultural change across workplaces and education.

Through these activities and wider awareness campaigns, we drive meaningful progress towards greater equity across the veterinary community.

Projects and initiatives

Through the following activities and our wider awareness campaigns, we highlight lived experiences, amplify underrepresented voices, and encourage positive change in the veterinary sector.

Let's Talk Adjustments campaign

Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people are not placed at a disadvantage.

Let’s Talk Adjustments was an RCVS campaign that ran in 2025 to raise awareness and improve understanding of reasonable adjustments in veterinary workplaces. Although the campaign has now concluded, its resources and content remain available to support the profession.

Through practical tools, real-world veterinary case studies and expert guidance, Let’s Talk Adjustments continues to support positive change in practice - helping leaders and teams better support individual colleagues while fostering more inclusive and welcoming working environments.

Find out how to support colleagues with Let’s Talk Adjustments

Diversity and Inclusion Working Group

In 2020, we launched the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group (DIG) to champion diversity across the veterinary professions.

DIG brought together representatives from across the sector, including the Association of Veterinary Students, British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society, British Veterinary LGBT+ Group, British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support, and the Veterinary Schools Council.

In February 2021, DIG published its Diversity & Inclusion Strategy, committing to professions where everyone can thrive. Although DIG has now concluded, its strategy continues to guide diversity and inclusion initiatives across the veterinary community.

How we lead by example

We believe change starts at home. That’s why we embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of our workplace - through policies, training, and everyday practices - so our values are reflected not only in what we champion across our profession but also in how we operate as an employer.

Learn more about how the RCVS is an inclusive employer

Diversity and inclusion training

The RCVS Academy is a dedicated online learning platform for veterinary professionals. It offers courses on a range of topics, including diversity and inclusion, designed to support veterinary professionals in developing inclusive practices. The free, interactive courses count towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Explore diversity and inclusion courses