Information for vets rejoining the register

If you're a vet rejoining the UK Register after a break of five years or more, you may be required to take part in the VetGDP. Even if your break was shorter, you’re still welcome to enrol if you feel the additional support would help ease your return to practice.

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This page is for:

Vets rejoining the UK Register after a break of 5+ years.

If you've been off the register for less than five years, you are not required to enrol in the VetGDP. However, you may choose to participate if you feel it would support your return to practice.

How the VetGDP will benefit you

The VetGDP provides regular, one-to-one support from a trained VetGDP Adviser - an experienced peer who will guide you through the process. Their support will help you refresh and update your professional and clinical capabilities, enabling you to adapt confidently to your new role.

Exemptions

All vets who have been off the register of five years or more are required to enrol in the VetGDP upon returning. However, you may be eligible for exemption - for example, if you have been practising overseas during your time away from the register.

Check VetGDP exemption criteria

Video: Information for vets returning to work after 5+ years

This short animation outlines what vets returning to the UK Register after five or more years need to know about the VetGDP. Beneath it, you’ll find a step-by-step checklist to help you get started.

Video transcript

The Veterinary Graduate Development Programme – VetGDP – is designed to help you develop your professional and clinical capabilities by providing you with dedicated, one-to-one support in the workplace.

If you’re a vet returning to the register after five or more years, you must enrol onto the programme. You may be able to apply to the RCVS for exemption, for example if you have been working abroad during this period.

If you’re returning to work after a shorter period away you may also request to enrol onto the programme if you feel it would be beneficial.

There will be a VetGDP Adviser in your workplace supporting your return to practise.

You can enrol (or apply for exemption) onto the VetGDP on the RCVS website.

The step-by-step guide takes you through this essential first stage in the process.

Your employer must be a VetGDP-approved Graduate Development Practice or Workplace.

They can choose to become one before you start work with them, but you won’t be able to join until they have completed this process. Look for the logo, and if you don’t see it, ask!

Your VetGDP Adviser is committed to supporting your professional development, and you’ll meet regularly. You will take the lead and request the support you need. This might include focusing on refreshing skills or updating your knowledge, and scheduling monthly meetings to obtain feedback and discuss your development.

You’ll record your progress in your e-portfolio, reflecting on your current skills and experiences and acknowledging areas where you may need guidance.

Your VetGDP Adviser can also add their feedback on cases or the discussions you have together.

At the start of the programme, you and your VetGDP Adviser will meet to review which activities, known as Entrustable Professional Activities (or EPAs), are relevant to your role and experience – you’ll find more information on our website.

You’ll then upload them into your e-portfolio where you will record your progress with each activity.

You must demonstrate that you can perform all activities within your role without support – and can work as an independent, confident vet.

You’ll agree with your VetGDP Adviser when the time is right to submit your e-portfolio to the RCVS for peer review and sign off. We expect it to take around one year, but it may take more or less time.

Need further help? Feel free to get in touch.

Checklist for vets returning to the Register after 5+ years

As a vet returning to the UK Register after a break of five or more years, you are required to enrol in the VetGDP. The programme offers tailored, workplace-based support to enhance and refresh your professional and clinical capabilities.
If you’ve been working as a vet abroad, you may qualify for exemption.
If you’ve been off the register for less than five years, you’re not required to complete the VetGDP - but you may choose to do so if you feel it would be beneficial to your professional development.
Your employer must be VetGDP approved before you can start your job. This means the required declarations have been submitted and there is at least one trained VetGDP Adviser on the staff. Look for the VetGDP logo, and if you don't see it, don't hesitate to ask.
You cannot take up a new position until your employer is VetGDP-approved.
When you accept a position, please email [email protected] to inform us of your start date and to request the creation of your VetGDP e-portfolio.
You and your VetGDP Adviser will agree the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) relevant to your role.
You will meet regularly with your VetGDP Adviser throughout the programme. You are responsible for taking the lead in the process, proactively seeking the support you need - whether that's refreshing your skills or updating your knowledge.
Once you and your VetGDP Adviser have agreed on your EPAs, you need to add them to your e-portfolio. For more details, please refer to the e-portfolio user guide.
You will record your progress in your e-portfolio, documenting your progression from the early weeks through to increased experience and independence. Your VetGDP Adviser will also provide feedback within your e-portfolio.
To complete the VetGDP, you must demonstrate that you can confidently and independently perform all activities relevant to your role. You and your VetGDP Adviser will agree on the right time to submit your e-portfolio to the RCVS for peer review and approval.
You have up to 18 months to complete the programme, but you may complete it earlier depending on the support you require. If you require more time, please email [email protected] to discuss your options.
If you have any queries, please contact the VetGDP team at [email protected].

Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP)

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