VMG Congress 2026

Rapinder Newton, MMI Lead

Grow Stream, Packwood Room

Thursday, 23 April, 14:00 – 15:30

Join Our 90-Minute Session: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace Are you a current or aspiring manager? This interactive session introduces the new Managing Mental Health in the Workplace course, developed by RCVS MMI, RCVS Academy, and expert partners. You’ll discover why proactive mental health management matters for individuals, teams, organisations and patient safety. 

Through attending you will: 

• Understand the national picture and the importance to take a whole-organisational approach
• Explore how to spot early warning signs and respond effectively
• Learn how to apply communication skills to support conversations about mental health and reasonable adjustments. 

Through practical frameworks and audience interaction, you’ll gain actionable steps to create a mentally healthy workplace. Plus, explore how self-care for managers underpins effective leadership and communication. Don’t miss this opportunity to build confidence and make a positive impact. 

Julie Dugmore RVN, Director of Veterinary Nursing and Jill Macdonald RVN, Veterinary Nursing Progression and Development Lead

Share Stream, Ballroom 

Friday, 24 April - 11:45am – 12:30pm 

Informed by conversations with professionals across the sector and a deep understanding of current practice, RCVS initiated the ‘A vision or a necessity: strengthening the role of veterinary nurses in team-based veterinary healthcare’ project to explore how veterinary nurses can be more effectively integrated within multidisciplinary teams, and why doing so is essential for the future of veterinary healthcare. This project recognises that achieving meaningful change requires more than new policies; it calls for a fundamental cultural shift. Clear guidance, structured support, and open dialogue will be key in empowering veterinary teams to adapt to a new way of working. Following on from a series of workshops that convened stakeholders from across the UK, join Julie in this dissemination of results with discussion on specific ideas and themes emerging from the work. This session will discuss the long-term goals and the practical steps needed to achieve them. Whether you are a veterinary nurse, veterinary surgeon, practice support staff, director, manager, or practice owner, your involvement is key in gaining a broad view and buy-in across a range of perspectives.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the evolving role of the Veterinary Nurse (RVN) in team-based care
• Explore strategies for cultural and structural change within veterinary practice
• Contribute to a shared vision and practical roadmap for change