The RCVS Podcast

In this episode, we explore the RCVS VN Vision project and how veterinary nurses can play a greater role in delivering efficient, team-based veterinary care. Our Veterinary Nursing Progression and Development Lead, Jill Macdonald, is joined by veterinary nurses Carly Masters and Lauren Hargrave to discuss their experiences in practice, the impact of VN Vision, and how veterinary teams can make changes to improve workplace culture, job satisfaction and access to care.

For the second part of the podcast, researchers Dr Jackie Hargreaves and Dr Faye Didymus discuss their work on integrating mental health training into veterinary nursing education, what inspired their research, and their vision for the future of veterinary nursing.

Speakers:

• Jill Macdonald RVN – RCVS Veterinary Nursing Progression and Development Lead
• Lauren Hargrave RVN - People Manager & Senior Veterinary Nurse
• Carly Masters RVN – Practice Owner & Senior Veterinary Nurse
• Julie Dugmore RVN – RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing
• Dr Faye Didymus - Reader in Sport and Performance Psychology
• Dr Jackie Hargreaves - Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science

Useful links

• RCVS News stories - News and views | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Apply for the RCVS Fellowship Board - RCVS Fellowship Board elections 2026 | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• RCVS VN Vision project - VN Vision | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Mind Matters research projects - Research projects | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
• Mind Matters research grants - Research grants | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

For more information about the VN Vision project, email vnvision@rcvs.org.uk

In this extended episode, we explore an issue that matters deeply across the veterinary professions: suicide prevention. 

Please note: this episode will be centred around suicide. Please remember that if you are impacted by anything discussed, help is available. You can contact veterinary mental health charity, Vetlife, who have a confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week as well as an email service. You can also contact charities outside of the veterinary sector such as Samaritans and Papyrus – details for all of which can be found below. 

From the new 2026 Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) requirements - requiring all practices (including small animal, farm and equine) to have a suicide prevention plan in place - to practical steps practices can take right now, this conversation is all about making support more visible, conversations less intimidating, and workplaces safer for everyone. 

You’ll hear thoughtful insights from experts working across the field, alongside real examples of how leadership, training, and culture can make a meaningful difference. We also talk about the role of stigma, what good prevention planning actually looks like, and why talking openly about mental health is such an important part of protecting people. 

 

Speakers: 

Angharad Belcher – RCVS Director for the Advancement of the Professions, and Mind Matters Initiative 

Alice Duvernois MRCVS – RCVS Lead PSS Assessor 

Peter Kelly – senior psychologist and leading suicide prevention expert 

Dr Rosie Allister MRCVS – consultant manager for Vetlife helpline and suicide prevention and mental health researcher 

James Glass MRCVS – suicide prevention researcher 

 

What we cover in this episode 

• Why suicide prevention is now part of the Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) 

• How practices can approach the new requirements without feeling overwhelmed 

• What an effective suicide prevention plan should include 

• The role of leadership, team culture, and psychological safety 

• Why access to means, trauma exposure, and organisational support all matter 

• How to talk about suicide responsibly and reduce stigma 

• Practical resources, training, and support available to veterinary teams 

Resources 

• Vetlife 

• Samaritans 

• Papyrus  

• RCVS Mind Matters suicide prevention in the veterinary workplace – links to the RCVS suicide prevention toolkit for veterinary workplaces - a practical guide to meeting the PSS suicide prevention standard and related suicide prevention requirements in UK veterinary workplaces. 

• RCVS Academy courses – free to access for veterinary professionals, including 'Suicide awareness fundamentals'. 

• Vetlife suicide postvention guidance  

• British Standard BS 30480 on Workplace Suicide Prevention 

• RCVS Mind Matters applied mental health science series guides 

• Samaritans media guidelines for responsible reporting on suicide 

• World Health Organisation (WHO) suicide prevention  

• RCVS Mind Matters reasonable adjustments campaign 

• The Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) Model of Suicidal Behaviour 

• Time, Space, Compassion- supporting people experiencing suicidal crisis: introductory guide – Scottish Government 

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and focus on suicide prevention in veterinary 

05:45 - Explanation of the RCVS Practice Standard Scheme (PSS) and its levels 

16:23 - What constitutes a suicide prevention plan and how to implement it effectively 

23:57 - The critical role of leadership, culture, and open conversations 

33:06 - Other available resources: Vetlife, RCVS Academy courses, RCVS Mind Matters guides and other support  

41:32 - The importance of responsible discourse and avoiding stigmatisation 

49:54 - Models like IMV (O’Connor, 2011) to understand the complexities of suicidal behaviour 

55:08 - The role of leadership and organisational culture in prevention 

66:29 - Tips for fostering a safety culture where mental health challenges can be openly discussed 

75:38 - Closing remarks: resources, upcoming events, and CPD recognition 

In our latest podcast, part two of a two part special on our ‘Next Steps’ project, we’re joined by Miles Russell, Finance and Operations Director at the George Vet Group, current board member and past president of the Veterinary Management Group and former crossbench peer in the House of Lords. In this chat, Miles chats about his experience as, in his words, a reluctant leader, his journey into leadership, the value of problem solving and curiosity, the importance of mentorship and the challenges and rewards of leading teams in an ever-changing industry.

We’ll then be joined by Jen Ayers RVN, head of our free digital online learning platform, the RCVS Academy. Nearing its fourth birthday, we chat about why the Academy was developed, the wide range of on-demand courses available to support veterinary professionals, and what exciting new developments the team have got in the pipeline.

 

Useful links

• Discover more on our latest news stories
• Visit our Workforce page
• Join our Next Steps: Moving into management event
• Explore other College events
• Check out our free CPD courses on the RCVS Academy
• Contact the Academy Team on academy@rcvs.org.uk
• Got a question about the podcast or an idea for future content? Email us at podcast@rcvs.org.uk

 

Navigating change can be exciting, but it doesn’t come without challenges.

Our latest podcast is part one of a two-part special on our ‘Next Steps’ project, which aims to develop a range of resources to support key professional transitions for those returning to the professions after having children, those returning from a career break more generally, and those moving into managerial positions for the first time.

In this first episode, Angharad Belcher, RCVS Director for the Advancement of the Professions, speaks with Lauren Davis, a vet turned pet sleep expert and business founder, live from the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons Congress in Birmingham. In the chat, Lauren shares her personal journey and offers honest insights into navigating the emotional, physical, and workplace challenges of returning to work after having children. Their conversation includes practical advice for employers, managers, and employees alike.

In addition, we bring you the latest news from across the College and our Senior Vice-President, Linda Belton, delves into greater detail about the recent outcome of the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation into the veterinary services for household pets market.

Resources:

• Discover more on our latest news stories
• Visit our Workforce page to find out more about the Next Steps project and sign up to our events (located under the ‘Get involved’ section)
• Explore other College events
• Check out our free CPD courses on the RCVS Academy
• Got a question about the podcast or an idea for future content? Email us at podcast@rcvs.org.uk

 

With the deadline for Defra’s consultation on a new Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA) drawing ever closer, we’ve been chatting to our veterinary nursing colleagues about what this change could mean for the veterinary professions from a veterinary nursing perspective.

The consultation presents a pivotal opportunity to transform the way the sector works for the better - successful reform could help protect professional titles, expand roles, and modernise our regulatory framework, including around licensing and practice standards, further enhancing animal health and welfare and public trust.

In our latest podcast episode ‘Legislative reform – a veterinary nursing perspective’ find out more about why this consultation is so important and why your voice matters from RCVS Chair of Veterinary Nurses Council, Belinda Andrews-Jones RVN, RCVS Head of Insights, Policy and Public Affairs, Ben Myring, and RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing, Julie Dugmore RVN.

Julie will then be joined by RCVS Veterinary Nursing Progression and Development Lead, Jill Macdonald RVN, to explore the work of our VN Vision project, helping to shape the future of team-based veterinary healthcare.

Useful links

Find out more and respond to Defra’s VSA consultation: VSA reform - time for change | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Find out more about our VN Vision project: VN Vision | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons or email vnvision@rcvs.org.uk

Find out about our latest news stories: News and views | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Attend our upcoming events: Events | Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons

Got a question about the podcast or an idea for future content? Email us at podcast@rcvs.org.uk

In our latest podcast, we discuss reasonable adjustments in the veterinary professions, summing up the work from our recent ‘Let’s Talk Adjustments’ campaign.

The conversation introduces what reasonable adjustments are, the laws surrounding them, and why the campaign was needed.

We then discuss the importance of reasonable adjustments in the workplace – including the personal experiences of our guest, Jenny Seward MRCVS – a small animal vet and clinical director who was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 15 years ago. Jenny then goes on to speak about how she now approaches reasonable adjustments from a leadership position, and the importance of opening up conversations with colleagues.

All resources from out Let’s Talk Adjustments campaign can be found on the campaign page: Reasonable Adjustments campaign - Professionals

Got a question about the campaign? Email advancement@rcvs.org.uk

For more information on the latest RCVS news stories, please visit the RCVS News & Views page here: News & views - Professionals

RCVS podcast page (where full transcript of the episode is available) Podcasts - Professionals

Link to WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb78yutE50UlFWxf4h07

Got a question about the podcast? Email podcast@rcvs.org.uk 

In our latest podcast, the conversation delves into veterinary regulation, focusing on the role of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the importance of legislative reform, and the future of veterinary nursing. Our speakers discuss the need for mandatory practice standards and the potential expansion of the regulatory framework to include a broader range of veterinary professionals. We speak about the importance of public assurance in the veterinary professions and the ongoing efforts to make sure regulation better suits the modern veterinary professions. 

For more information on the latest RCVS news stories, please visit the RCVS News & Views page here: News & views - Professionals

For our latest RCVS events, please keep an eye on the RCVS Events page: Events and meetings - Professionals

RCVS podcast page (where full transcript of the episode is available) Podcasts - Professionals

Link to WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb78yutE50UlFWxf4h07

Got a question about the podcast? Email podcast@rcvs.org.uk 

Summary

In this episode of The RCVS Podcast, ‘Research with Purpose: An RCVS Perspective’, the RCVS Team discuss various topics related to the veterinary profession, including the importance of workforce initiatives, insights from research, and why engagement is the key to progress. They explore the dynamics of vet retention, migration trends, and the myths surrounding the veterinary workforce. The conversation also touches on historical perspectives from figures like James Herriot and emphasises the need for continuous engagement and participation in research to inform future work.

 

Got a question about the podcast? Email podcast@rcvs.org.uk 

The full transcript is available to view on our website: Research with Purpose: An RCVS Perspective - Professionals

 

Useful links

RCVS Workforce Ambitions Revisited – information on the Workforce project can be accessed here: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/workforce-ambitions-sessions/

RCVS latest news: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/news/

RCVS upcoming events: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/

We answer your questions about our consultation on governance reform and our recommendations for modernising our governance structure.

This is part two of two, using the audio taken from a webinar we ran on 11 June 2024.  

An introduction to the RCVS consultation on governance reform, providing on overview of our unique role as a Royal College that regulates, and the background to our recommendations for modernising our governance structure.

This is part one of two, using the audio taken from a webinar we ran on 11 June 2024.