Next Steps resource hub

Our Next Steps project is designed to make your key career transitions as smooth as possible and is an important part of our ongoing Workforce project.

Starting with the three key areas of returning parents, returning after a career break, and moving into management for the first time, Next Steps aims to make you feel confident in reconnecting with your professional identity and taking that leap back into work or into management.

Useful resources to support you in taking your next steps can be found below.

RCVS Academy courses

The RCVS Academy provides free, on-demand CPD to support veterinary professional and personal development in a number of areas. You can log in using your MyRCVS details (previously known as MyAccount).

Relevant courses for those undertaking key career transitions include:

• Vet return
• Nurse return
• Managing mental health in the workplace
• Civility fundamentals
• Unconscious bias
• Time management
• Communicating cost
• Informed consent
• CPD: Record and reflect

Those moving into management may also benefit from:

• Leadership vs management
• Principles of delegation

Mental health, wellbeing and personal development resources

• Mind Matters Initiative
• Managing mental health in the workplace for everyday veterinary leaders - RCVS event
• Applied Mental Health Science series
• Understanding and managing stress in the veterinary workplace
• Reasonable adjustments campaign
• Let's talk adjustments - RCVS podcast
• Say it so you are heard - clear communication crib sheet - Wild Monday
• Vetlife

RCVS registration and competences

• Voluntary removal and restoration
• Change your registration category
• RCVS Day-One Competences, Skills and Professional Behaviours for Veterinary Nurses

Employment - understanding your rights

• Employment Rights Act 2025
• Plan to Make Work Pay and Employment Rights Act

Returning from parental leave and becoming a new parent

• Next steps - returning to practice after parental leave - RCVS podcast
• Specific considerations for pregnant vets and their employers - Veterinary Woman
• Pregnancy in the veterinary workplace - Veterinary Woman
• Guidance for the employer - BEVA
• Pregnancy in Veterinary Practice - College of Animal Welfare

Returning after a career break (general)

• Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP)
• Period of Supervised Practice (PSP) Guidance
• Continuing professional development (CPD)

Moving into management

• RCVS Leadership Library
• Five things I wish I had known when I became a consultant - PubMed
• Speak Up resource
• Self awareness and leadership archives - You Are Not a Frog

Haven't found the answer you're looking for?

If you have a specific question for a certain department at the College regarding your next step, our teams are always on hand to help you. Contact details can be found below:

• Advancement of the Professions – [email protected]
• RCVS Academy – [email protected]
• Education – [email protected]
• Mind Matters Initiative – [email protected]
• Registration – [email protected]
• Standards and advice – [email protected]
• Veterinary nursing – [email protected]

For more information about the Workforce work, contact [email protected].