RCVS revisits workforce ambitions with interactive workforce webinar series

Two and a half years after the launch of our Workforce Action Plan, we're inviting veterinary professionals to continue the workforce conversation through a series of interactive webinars.

Kicking off online on Tuesday 20 May at 2.30pm, the webinars will revisit the seven ambitions of the RCVS Workforce Action Plan, to see just how far the professions have come, assess the present condition of the veterinary workforce, and consider measures for mitigating any prospective issues. 

The first ‘Workforce ambitions revisited - where are we now?’ webinar will be an introductory session — focusing on introducing the new RCVS Workforce Model, published in December 2024 — while future sessions will be based around each of the Action Plan ambitions. 

RCVS President, Linda Belton, said: "The veterinary landscape has changed considerably over the past two and a half years, and it is important that we stay ahead of the curve and continue to work together to understand how we can best continue to move forward. 

"We also now have access to findings from our new veterinary workforce modelling data which allows us to see where the professions could be headed in the future. Through this series of webinars, we will be using these new insights — as well as discussing how the situation has evolved over the past few years — to reassess the situation and collaborate with veterinary professionals and stakeholders to discuss how we can work together to ensure we have the workforce we need across all areas of veterinary responsibility."  

Director for the Advancement of the Professions, Angharad Belcher, added: "Via its seven ambitions, the Action Plan highlights the College’s wide range of activities that support the workforce. It also details how collaboration, culture change, career development, and leadership — among other things — could help with improving retention of current professionals, encouraging new entrants, and supporting the return of those who have left.

"We recognise that change cannot happen without collaboration – no one organisation can solve as complicated and multi-factorial an issue as the workforce challenge on their own. We hope to welcome you to these sessions to share your insights and contribute to the ongoing discussions."  

"We recognise that change cannot happen without collaboration – no one organisation can solve as complicated and multi-factorial an issue as the workforce challenge on their own. We hope to welcome you to these sessions to share your insights and contribute to the ongoing discussions." 

The first webinar will be chaired by Angharad, with an introductory presentation from our Research Manager, Vicki Bolton, who will take delegates through the workforce model, explaining how it was created, and what it can tell us. Vicki and Angharad will be joined by RCVS President, Linda Belton, and RCVS Senior Vice-President, Dr Sue Paterson, who will also be talking through the findings, introducing the purpose of revisiting the seven ambitions within the Action Plan, and will be on hand to answer audience questions. 

For each webinar, delegates will be given the opportunity to submit questions ahead of time.

Webinar dates are as follows: 

• Tuesday 20 May – Workforce ambitions revisited – where are we now? 
• Friday 30 May – An attractive career for everyone, including those who have left  
• Friday 6 June – General practice – a chosen pathway
• Friday 20 June – Improving client interaction and communication 
• 5 September – Welcoming a modern way of working 
• 15 September – Greater responsibility for veterinary nurses 
• 17 October – Confidence, culture and recognition 
• 7 November – Shape leaders at all levels 

Sign ups for the first webinar are now open. To book your place visit the dedicated Eventbrite page.

Registrations for the other webinars will open in due course, so do keep an eye out for these.