Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP)
Tailored support for recent graduates and vets returning to practice.
VetGDP: Information for practices and employers
Boost recruitment and retention at your practice by joining our Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP).
Through one-to-one mentoring with experienced professionals, our VetGDP programme helps build new graduates' confidence from day one.
If you have any questions about the process, contact [email protected] and include your practice postcode if your query relates to a specific workplace.
On this page
Who's eligible for the VetGDP?
The VetGDP is designed for veterinary professionals as they start or return to practice. This includes:
- UK new graduates qualified from UK veterinary schools from summer 2021 onwards and registering with the RCVS
- Overseas-qualified veterinarians
- Qualified overseas or qualified in the UK before practicing overseas and have less than 18 months’ experience in a role similar to the one you will be doing in the UK
- Returning practitioners
- UK-qualified veterinarians returning after five or more years away from practice or
- Those returning after less than five years who want to update their skills and rebuild their confidence
To support these graduates, your workplace must have at least one qualified and trained VetGDP Adviser who can commit a minimum of one hour per week to structured support.
Benefits of becoming a VetGDP-approved workplace
- Boosts recruitment - offering the VetGDP will help to attract high-calibre employees, as it shows your commitment to professional growth.
- Improves onboarding - the VetGDP helps graduates refine everyday skills and become confident, competent team members faster.
- Enhances workplace culture - the VetGDP fosters a supportive environment that boosts employee confidence.
How to become a VetGDP-approved workplace
Approval involves two essential steps to ensure your workplace is ready to provide effective graduate support.
VetGDP adviser training
You need at least one veterinary surgeon with at least three years of post-qualification experience in your practice. To become accredited, they must complete the VetGDP training and submit a declaration to support graduates via their RCVS My Account. Additionally, they need to add a relationship with their practice within their My Account.
To make the VetGDP practice/workplace declaration
- Log into your practice or workplace My Account
- Select VetGDP from the top menu
- Click 'Declaration to become a VetGDP practice'
- If you approve, tick all boxes and submit
Once the VetGDP Adviser has completed their declaration, the practice must submit the VetGDP practice/workplace declaration. This is typically done by the designated senior vet via the practice’s RCVS account
After successfully completing both steps, you'll gain access to the VetGDP logo, marketing resources and ongoing programme support. Your practice will be eligible for enhanced listings in the Find a Vet directory as an approved workplace.
How to log into your practice account
Every practice or workplace has a My Account with a unique username. This is the same username used to log into STANLEY in the PSS scheme. If you’re unsure of your username, email [email protected] with your practice postcode for help.
Promoting your VetGDP-approved status
Make the most of your Vet GDP approval by showing graduates you are committed to their development. You can:
- Display the VetGDP logo on your website, email signatures, social media, and job advertisements.
- Update your details on Find a Vet (graduates actively look for VetGDP-approved employers).
Video: VetGDP information for employers
Our video explains the VetGDP programme structure, requirements, and benefits for both practices and graduates.