Collaboration is key at first diversity and inclusion networking event

Lloyd Emeka, Senior Officer for Diversity and Inclusion, writes about a networking event held at the RCVS offices on 6 November 2025 which brought together veterinary professionals, educators and students to discuss and share perspectives on topics related to diversity and inclusion. 

In November 2025, we were delighted to host our first Diversity and Inclusion Networking event, an occasion which has grown out of the work of our Diversity and Inclusion Group and its 2021 strategy. 

Delegates included representatives from the affinity groups, including the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society, British Veterinary LGBT+ Society, British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support, and Animal Aspirations, a student-led organisation that engages with students from diverse backgrounds through interactive animal and science-focused workshops. 

The event began with a warm welcome and introduction from Dr Tshidi Gardiner MRCVS (pictured left), RCVS Diversity and Inclusion Council Lead, and Angharad Belcher, Director for the Advancement of the Professions. Delegates then joined a guided tour of the new RCVS building, which culminated in a group photo. The guided tour enabled delegates to see how the RCVS has combined tradition with contemporary features in an inclusive working environment. 

The morning programme also included presentations from two external speakers. Business Disability Forum delivered the first presentation, focusing on creating disability-inclusive workplaces. Topics covered included workplace adjustments and the use of AI in recruitment.

The second presentation was from the charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf. Representatives discussed the challenges of hearing loss and explained how the charity supports people with hearing, sound support, and companion dogs. The session included a live demonstration of a hearing dog in action and insights from a recipient sharing their lived experience.

These presentations provided delegates with different perspectives and areas for consideration. 

After opportunities to network over lunch, delegates participated in a number of workshop discussions. The workshops focused on sharing reflections about the talks during the morning, discussing where progress has been made within equity, diversity and inclusion in the veterinary sector, and identifying future priorities and opportunities. 

The event concluded with final thoughts and remarks. The combination of presentations, workshops, and networking gave delegates a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and learn from one another.

Some delegates shared what they found most useful and how they plan to apply their learnings:

I loved collaborating and networking and talking about all the amazing things all the amazing people do here.

Speaking to other people with EDI interest and focus.

Take tips to my workplace and utilise these with the BVLGBT+ work.