RCVS & BVCIS call for greater understanding of equality law and reasonable adjustments with landmark research reports

On Monday 29 July 2024, we published landmark research reports on the experiences of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and veterinary and veterinary nursing (VN) students with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. 

You can view the reports below:

• Disability and Chronic Illness in Veterinary Work and Education – summary report 
• Disability and Chronic Illness Survey full report 
• Disability and Chronic Illness Survey infographic report 

Together with British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS), we are calling for better inclusion of disabled colleagues within the professions and raising awareness of the Equality Act and the importance of reasonable adjustments.

The joint RCVS and BVCIS reports are based on a professions-wide survey exploring the experiences of individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and neurodiversity, as well as attitudes towards them in veterinary work and education.

The survey, conducted in May and June 2023, received 3,411 responses from veterinary professionals and students, both with and without disabilities. The research has been published in two formats: a full report with detailed analysis, and a summary report highlighting key themes and findings.

The reports are published during Disability Pride Month, which has been celebrated in the UK since 2015. The month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of disabilities, start positive conversations, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the disabled community.

The survey was conducted on behalf of us and BVCIS by the Institute for Employment Studies. Respondents were asked about barriers to support for chronic illness and disability, levels of recognition and understanding of conditions, and experiences of requesting and implementing reasonable adjustments.  Respondents also provided examples of good practice in the sector and shared the strategies and workarounds people employ so they can work effectively.

Some 75% of respondents reported having at least one chronic illness/ disability - of these, 61% had a chronic condition, 48% had a physical condition, 39% had a mental health condition, and 30% were neurodivergent.      

Key findings:

• Almost two-thirds (60%) of respondents said their disability/condition affects them every day, and over two-thirds (68%) reported making significant changes to their life to continue working. Those with multiple conditions were more likely to be affected on a daily basis and to make significant life changes as a result.
• The most frequently reported symptoms of a disability/condition were mental health issues (45%), pain (36%), difficulties with learning, understanding or concentrating (34%), and stamina or energy limitations (32%).
• The majority of respondents, when asked to identify the impacts of having a disability/chronic condition on working in the veterinary sector, cited negative impacts such as barriers to working effectively; limited career opportunities; having to work harder (leading to increased fatigue and a need to rest); and concerns for the future and life outside work.
• Around one-quarter felt they had been treated differently during study or work, and the majority (79%) thought this was due to their symptoms.
• Almost half of those who felt they had been treated differently (45%), thought that disclosing their condition(s) was a contributing factor.
• The majority of respondents had disclosed their disability/condition, particularly in education, where three-quarters did so. Over two-thirds of working respondents had disclosed to their current workplace, and half had disclosed to previous employers.
• Some 18% of students and 36% of working professionals reported experiencing discrimination, bullying, or harassment due to their disability or chronic condition. Those with mental health conditions, neurodivergence, or multiple conditions were particularly likely to face discrimination.
• Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents believed there was a strong or moderate understanding of the Equality Act at their workplace but more than one in ten (12%) thought their employer had no knowledge or understanding.
• Less than half (45%) thought their employer had strong or moderate understanding of the Access to Work scheme, while over a quarter (27%) reported no knowledge at their workplace.
• Over one-third (36%) of working respondents with a disability/condition had experienced barriers to accessing support at work. This was more frequently reported by those with a mental health condition, those with neurodivergence, and those with comorbidities.
• Nearly half all respondents (49%) said they had access to occupational health (OH) services at work, but only 16% overall had actually used them. One-quarter (25%) did not have access to these services, and another quarter (26%) did not know whether or not they had access.
• Examples of good practice were given by some respondents about their existing or previous workplaces. These included reasonable adjustments such as adjusted working hours, environment and task adaptations, alongside good communication, support (from colleagues, managers and external sources), and additional resources.

Gurpreet Gill, RCVS Leadership and Inclusion Manager, said: “We are so grateful for all the people who took the time to participate with this pioneering research with the College and who have helped us get a clearer understanding and a strong dataset regarding the experiences of those with chronic illnesses and disabilities within the veterinary professions.

“While there are some sobering elements in this report, and some clear and unfortunate examples of poor practice and discrimination, the overwhelming feeling is that there is goodwill and a desire to help people out there in the professions, but sometimes a lack of understanding and knowledge on how best to do this. Of course, there are also some excellent examples of good practice in terms of putting in place adjustments and accommodations for employees and staff with disabilities, as well as for students on placements.

“Overall, this should be taken as a call for more members of the professions to familiarise themselves with the Equality Act 2010 and its provisions. Under this legislation, it is unlawful to discriminate against people with protected characteristics, including disability. The act sets out the legal requirement for workplaces and educational institutions, among others, to make reasonable adjustments to avoid disabled people being placed at a disadvantage.

“We will now be considering how we, as the regulator and Royal College, can best support members of the professions in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, and what further training and education can be provided, looking at the RCVS Academy as a potential vehicle for doing so.”

Olivia Anderson-Nathan (pictured), a Director of BVCIS, added: “As a community-led organisation that provides education, advocacy and practical support to chronically ill, neurodivergent and disabled people in the veterinary community, this research will chime with the experiences of those under our umbrella.

"BVCIS aims to broaden the well-being conversation from mental health alone to include physical health and neurodiversity inclusion as they are all so closely intertwined. It is therefore not surprising that the research shows that comorbidities are common and that the more comorbidities a person has, the worse their experience is likely to be. This suggests the need for a holistic approach to support.

“Overall, the report demonstrates that although there are systemic issues that require a shift in workplace culture, there may be some relatively ‘easy wins’. For example, improving line manger knowledge of the Equality Act and providing reasonable adjustments that are typically inexpensive and simple to implement, such as providing seating and ergonomic equipment, and rota or shift changes.

"Many changes, like flexible working, will actually benefit everyone. Most importantly, employers and educators need to make sure that those with disabilities, neurodivergence, and chronic illnesses understand their rights and are given positive support to identify their needs. This means co-designing individualised adjustments and avoiding a one size fits all approach.

“BVCIS will continue our work to educate the profession, offering support and guidance for anyone not sure where to start. We also offer community support through our Veterinary Spoonholders Facebook page for disabled, chronically ill and/or neurodivergent people in the veterinary world so – please do come and join us if any of the experiences detailed in the report resonate with you.”

Following the publication of the report, we will be looking to commission further research to explore some of the core issues identified in more depth. We are also planning work to promote awareness and education of disability and chronic illness, and reasonable adjustments. More information about this will be published before the end of the year.