The Development and Implementation of a National Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) to Support Veterinarians Entering the UK Workforce

The UK veterinary profession is facing significant challenges, including high rates of veterinarians leaving the profession amidst workforce shortages, alongside high levels of dissatisfaction, stress, and poor mental health. The highest rates of attrition are associated with veterinarians who have recently graduated and are at an early stage in their careers. Although there may be many contributory factors, a lack of adequate support during the transition from vet school into their first professional role following graduation may be one important cause. Consequently, it has never been more important to develop an effective system for supporting new graduates, which is accessible to all. A new Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) has been developed, using a framework of professional activities that are sufficiently flexible to create a bespoke, individualized program for each graduate depending on the role they enter. Each new graduate is assigned a dedicated coach (Adviser) within their workplace, who has been trained to provide effective support and has committed to doing so throughout the program. VetGDP has been implemented on a national scale in the UK; engagement is assured through the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and quality assurance is in place. VetGDP has been developed using established educational, sociocultural, and behavioral theories, and the latest research in coaching and feedback within medical education. These methods, which aim to ensure there is the best possible impact on graduates’ professional development, and the creation of a positive learning culture within the workplace, are taught to all Advisers via an e-learning package.