UK Veterinary Leadership Development Study 2025

The RCVS Research team, in collaboration with the Advancement of the Professions team, are hosting a number of online, small group discussions throughout October which aim to gather the views of professionals from across all areas of the veterinary professions on leadership needs at all levels.

Why is this research being conducted?

The discussions will be used to inform a ‘leadership competency framework’, which will be used to guide future training. We therefore want to understand what leadership competencies are important and what training is needed to support the development of these, ultimately ensuring that future training represents these views and is bespoke to the needs of the profession.   

Who can take part?

Open to all veterinary professionals, you don’t need to be a leader or be working in clinical practice to participate.

Objectives:

• Understand the views of those working in the veterinary profession on which skills and competencies are required at different career stages in relation to leadership
• Gather insights into leadership cultures in different practices and assess the extent to which ideologies around leadership are pervasive throughout the profession
• Gather preferences in relation to the mode and format of, as well as content covered by, any future training.

Discussion format

Group discussions will be facilitated by a member of the RCVS Research team. These groups are designed to encourage open discussion among members of the professions. Groups will not take a Q&A format, rather discussions will be guided by prompts to ensure focus, whilst remaining informal and providing you with the opportunity to share your views and learn from others.

Sessions will be recorded and transcribed by the RCVS Research team for the purpose of analysis specific to this study. Recordings will be deleted immediately upon completion of transcription, and transcripts will be held securely and confidentially until project completion. For further information please see the Participant Information Sheet.

The discussions will take place on the following dates:

Group 1 - Monday 13 October, 1pm - 2pm
Group 2 - Tuesday 14 October, 6.30pm - 7:30pm
Group 3 - Tuesday 21 October, 6.30pm - 7:30pm
Group 4 - Wednesday 22 October, 1pm - 2pm
Group 5 - Thursday 23 October, 6.30pm - 7:30pm

If you’re interested in participating and would like to find out how to join the sessions, please email [email protected]