Reasonable adjustments: a legal duty

The current situation

Respondents to the RCVS and British Veterinary Chronic Illness Society survey, Disability and Chronic Illness in Veterinary Work and Education (2024), reported significant variation in the provision of reasonable adjustments in veterinary workplaces. Thirty-six per cent of working respondents stated they had faced barriers in accessing support.  

The research also highlighted the impact of multiple conditions and showed that where provided, reasonable adjustments and personalised support had a positive impact on individuals.

Resources  

Explore our comprehensive information and resources on reasonable adjustments below, covering:

• Why reasonable adjustments are important.

• Types of adjustments with examples, including veterinary workplace examples drawn from our research.

• The financial support and guidance available.

• Key points to consider when approaching reasonable adjustments in your organisation. 

Reasonable adjustments at work, Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) 
A good overview of reasonable adjustments, including: the employer's duty to make adjustments under the Equality Act 2010; what is meant by the term 'reasonable'; sources of financial support available; and some examples of types of adjustments. Links to related topics are also provided.
What reasonable adjustments are (12 min read)
 

Reasonable Adjustments and Employment, Business Disability Forum (BDF)  
This resource discusses specific legal terminology around disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments. It also includes a short case study. 
Legal ease - reasonable adjustments and employment (20 min read)
 

Understanding workplace adjustments infographic, NHS Employers 
A digital infographic developed by the NHS which illustrates the different types of adjustments that can be implemented to support disabled staff in their roles, and provides links to related content including FAQs for managers. The infographic is also available to download as a PDF.  
Understanding workplace adjustments infographic (5 min read)
 

Access to work, Business Disability Forum (BDF) 
This page gives a comprehensive summary of the government’s to Access to Work scheme (ATW), which provides financial support to disabled job candidates and employees to help them start or stay in work. It covers types of support, eligibility and exclusions, the application process, and FAQs.  
Access to Work (15 min read)
 

A manager’s guide to Access to Work, Scope for Business 
Provides guidance on the ATW scheme and reasonable adjustments for managers, with good links to other resources. 
A manager's guide to Access to Work (15 min read)
 

Advice for employers on workplace adjustments for mental health conditions, NHS Health at Work Network 
This comprehensive resource gives guidance on reasonable adjustments for people with mental health conditions. It looks at the business case for making adjustments, and contains practical examples, case studies, and links to further resources. 
Mental health adjustments guidance  (30 min read)
 

Workplace adjustments for deaf people and people with hearing loss, Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) 
This resource outlines practical workplace adjustments for deaf people and those with hearing loss, including changes to the working environment, flexible working arrangements, assistive technology, and communication support.   
Workplace adjustments for deaf people and people with hearing loss (8 min read)
 

Reasonable adjustments – neurodiversity, Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services, (AGCAS) Disability Task Group 
Aimed at neurodivergent students making the transition from university to the workplace, this document presents various adjustments and strategies to address challenges encountered in the working environment. It also contains links to other resources.  
Reasonable adjustments - neurodiversity (15 min read)
 

Building a sensory toolkit for the workplace – exceptional Individuals 
Sensory toolkits can help neurodivergent employees identify reasonable adjustments and sensory accommodations they may need in the workplace. This free resource provides guidance on building a sensory toolkit, including a self-assessment tool, examples of triggers and challenges for different neurotypes, and potential solutions and adjustments. 
Building a sensory toolkit for the workplace: a neurotype-specific guide to reducing overwhelm and reclaiming focus
 

Menopause in the workplace: guidance for employers, Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) 
This guide helps employers understand their legal obligations when supporting employees experiencing menopause and perimenopause. It includes three informative videos:

• Making workplace adjustments and preventing discrimination (3.00 min watch)
• Conversations about the menopause (1.40 min watch)
• Menopause and the Equality Act 2010 (1.25 min watch)

Examples of reasonable adjustments in veterinary workplaces

Below you will find a list of veterinary-specific examples of reasonable adjustments provided by respondents to the Disability and Chronic Illness in Veterinary Work and Education (2024) survey. 

Changes to how tasks and work is assigned

• Weight limits or help with lifting heavy objects and equipment
• Assignment of a helper to hold heavier animals
• Shift buddies/no lone working
• Lighter duties or office-based work on difficult days
• Selected duties to avoid aggravating conditions
• Ability to undertake certain tasks from home
• Splitting clinical and administrative work
• Additional time to complete tasks
• Providing instructions or training in different formats (not just verbally) 

Adapting the working environment 

• Providing stools in prep areas and theatre
• Providing seating in consultation rooms
• Adjustable height consult tables
• Height-adjustable workstations
• Ergonomic computers/keyboards/mice and desk chairs
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• Specialised stethoscopes
• Dictation facilities
• Quiet space away from phones/clients/other staff
• Thermostatic radiator to control temperature
• Adjustable lighting

Flexible working 

• Setting up working patterns tailored to individuals
• Regular rest breaks – shorter and more frequent or longer (unpaid) breaks if needed
• Flexibility with shifts and breaks to allow for collecting medication, attending appointments or receiving treatment
• Changes to the rota or cover from other colleagues if required
• Reducing hours from full-time to part-time
• Changing working patterns to accommodate rest days
• Occasional work from home
• Office-based work for part of the week