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 improve recruitment and retention, widen access, and encourage culture change. Key initiatives include disability and chronic illness surveys, guidance on religious clothing in veterinary workplaces, and celebrating key occasions such as Black History Month and Pride.

Fostering diversity and inclusion in veterinary professions

The RCVS is committed to helping create veterinary professions where everyone can thrive, whoever they are.

Our work focuses on improving recruitment and retention, widening access, and driving culture change to build a more diverse and inclusive veterinary profession.

Examples of our recent projects, initiatives and campaigns include:

We have also celebrated Pride over several years, featuring conversations with Dr Peter Harlech Jones MRCVS and Dr Ami Sawran MRCVS, alongside broader reflections on the significance of Pride. Through these activities, as well as other important events, we amplify diverse voices, share lived experiences, and promote a more inclusive profession for all.

Leading by example

As an organisation, we are committed to leading by example. We actively embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into our own workplace through internal initiatives, policies, and training, ensuring our values are reflected not only in what we promote across the profession, but in how we operate as an employer.

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Let's Talk Adjustments

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 designed to raise awareness and improve understanding of reasonable adjustments in veterinary workplaces. While the campaign has now concluded, its resources and content remain available.

Through practical resources, real-world veterinary case studies and expert guidance, Let’s Talk Adjustments supports positive change in practice - helping teams support individual colleagues while fostering a more inclusive and welcoming working environment.

Explore Let’s Talk Adjustments