VetGDP: Information for advisers

What is a VetGDP Adviser?

A VetGDP Adviser is a member of the in-house veterinary team who provides dedicated, one-to-one support to graduates undertaking the VetGDP. 

They commit regular time throughout the programme to guide and support the graduate's professional growth, helping them become confident and competent vets.

The role of the VetGDP Adviser 

As a VetGDP Adviser, you will: 

• Provide effective feedback - observe the graduate and give timely, constructive feedback focused on their development.
• Encourage reflection - help them analyse their experiences to identify lessons learned and areas for growth.
• Offer practical support and supervision - guide them through challenging cases or tasks to build confidence.
• Set development objectives - agree achievable, time-bound goals.
• Review progress - meet at least monthly to review overall progress and offer support. 

To become a VetGDP Adviser, you must:

• Have been practising for at least three years
• Complete the VetGDP Adviser e-training
• Make the VetGDP Adviser declaration via your My Account

How many VetGDP Advisers per practice?

There's no limit. In fact, we encourage as many eligible vets as possible to participate.

Entrustable Professional Activities

The VetGDP is built around Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). They represent the range of tasks and responsibilities vets carry out in everyday practise. 

You and the graduate will:

• Select the EPAs that reflect their role
• Ensure these are recorded in the graduate’s e-portfolio
• Review progress towards independence in each EPA

EPAs and VetGDP approval

At the end of the VetGDP, a peer reviewer will assess whether the EPAs have been sufficiently covered before the programme can be approved. If any are missing, the graduate may need to submit additional evidence.

VetGDP Adviser training

Our free, online VetGDP Adviser training equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to effectively support new graduates and other vets beginning or returning to UK practise.

It includes:

• Six modules (2-3 hours each)
• Approximately 15 hours total Continued Professional Development (CPD)

Once you have successfully completed all modules, you will be eligible to make the VetGDP Adviser declaration in your RCVS My Account - see below.

Making the VetGDP Adviser declaration

After completing the VetGDP Adviser training, you can make your declaration by following the steps below: 

1. Log into your My Account.
2. Ensure your practice relationship is up to date (see how to add a relationship with your practice if you're unsure how to do this).
3. Click the red VetGDP Adviser bar (if it isn't visible, you may have already submitted your declaration).
4. Tick all required boxes and click 'submit'.
5. Your employer will then need to complete the declaration for the practice or workplace.

Video: Information for VetGDP Advisers

This short animation outlines your responsibilities as a VetGDP Adviser. Below it, you'll find a step-by-step checklist to help get you started. 

The VetGDP Adviser checklist

1. To qualify as a VetGDP Adviser, you need to have been on the UK Register for at least three years. You’ll also need your employer’s support, including their agreement to provide protected time for both you and the graduate.
2. Complete the online training. Every vet at your practice can access this valuable training free of charge, even if they don't intend to become a VetGDP Adviser.
3. Once you've completed the VetGDP Adviser declaration, your employer must submit the practice VetGDP declaration.
4. Ensure the graduate completes their VetGDP declaration.
5. At the start of the VetGDP, meet with the graduate to discuss and agree the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) relevant to their role. The graduate is responsible for adding the selected EPAs to their e-portfolio.
6. This e-portfolio guidance for VetGDP Advisers will help you use the e-portfolio effectively.
7. Guidance for graduates on using the e-portfolio is also available.
8. Meet regularly with the graduate to review their progress. While the graduate should lead these discussions, do reach out to them proactively if communication has been limited, to ensure they are receiving the support they need.
9. The level of support required at the beginning of the VetGDP will likely decrease as the graduate builds their confidence and skills.
10. Graduates have up to 18 months to finish the VetGDP, but it could take less time depending on their needs. If they require an extension, they should email [email protected] to discuss.
11. When both you and the graduate agree that sufficient progress has been made, and their e-portfolio clearly reflects their learning journey through VetGDP, the graduate can submit it for peer review and approval by the RCVS.
12. If you have any queries, please contact the VetGDP team at [email protected].

Support and contact  

If you have any questions about becoming a VetGDP Adviser, please contact our team at [email protected].