VetGDP: Information for advisers

What is a VetGDP Adviser?

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

As an adviser, you become part of a formal support system that bridges the gap between veterinary education and independent practice. Your role is essential in helping new graduates achieve competency in their chosen career path.

Role and responsibilities of a VetGDP Adviser

Your responsibilities as a VetGDP Adviser include:

• Offering timely, constructive feedback focused on professional development.
• Encouraging reflection and analysis to help graduates identify lessons learned and growth areas.
• Offering practical support and supervision through challenging cases or tasks to build confidence.  
• Selecting appropriate Entrustable Professional Activities that match the graduate's career goals and practice opportunities.
• Setting development objectives that guide professional development.
• Tracking progress through the e-portfolio system and providing regular feedback.
• Encouraging self-directed learning and continuing professional development.
• Review progress by meeting at least monthly to review overall progress and offer support.

The support you provide is likely to change over time. As your graduate gains confidence, your role will shift from hands-on guidance to advisory oversight. This flexible approach ensures they receive the right level of guidance at each stage of their development. They always have someone they can turn to when they come up against new challenges.

Becoming a VetGDP Adviser

To become a VetGDP Adviser, you must:

• Have been on the UK Register for at least three years
• Complete the VetGDP Adviser training programme
• Make a formal declaration through MyRCVS

Once you've completed these steps, you can start supporting new graduates in your practice or elsewhere.
 

How many VetGDP Advisers can there be per practice?

There's no limit. We encourage practices to have multiple advisers to ensure adequate support for all their new graduates.

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

The EPA approval process involves several stages:

1. You and your graduate select appropriate EPAs
2. The practice employer approves the selection
3. Your graduate works towards demonstrating competency
4. Completed EPAs undergo peer review
5. The RCVS provides final approval

This structured approach ensures graduates achieve genuine competency before working independently.
 

EPAs and Vet GDP 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

All Vet GDP Advisers must complete free online training through the RCVS Academy.

The programme consists of six modules, each taking approximately two to three hours to complete. You'll earn 15 hours of CPD credit for finishing the full programme.

The training covers:

• Understanding your role as an adviser
• Effective mentoring techniques
• Using the e-portfolio system
• Providing constructive feedback
• Supporting professional development
• Managing challenging situations

You can complete the training at your own pace, fitting it around your practice commitments.

Making the VetGDP Adviser declaration

Once you've completed your training, you need to make a formal declaration to become an active VetGDP Adviser.

To make your declaration:

1. Log into MyRCVS.
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. Select 'VetGDP Adviser declaration'.
4. Complete the required information.
5. Submit your declaration.

This declaration confirms you've completed the training and are ready to support new graduates. You'll then appear on our register of approved VetGDP Advisers.

Video: Information for VetGDP Advisers

Watch our introductory video to learn more about the VetGDP Adviser role:

The VetGDP Adviser checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for your role as a VetGDP Adviser:

1. Check your eligibility – you must have been on the UK Register for at least three years.
2. Coordinate with practice management – ensure your employer supports your Adviser role.
3. Complete the training programme – finish all six modules on the RCVS Academy.
4. Make your declaration – submit your Adviser declaration through MyRCVS.
5. Familiarise yourself with EPAs – understand the competency framework.
6. Learn the e-portfolio system – practise using the online platform.
7. Plan your mentoring approach – think about how you'll structure meetings and feedback.
8. Prepare for your first meeting – plan how you'll introduce the programme to your graduate.
9. Set up regular meeting times – establish a consistent schedule with your graduate.
10. Identify development opportunities – think about cases and experiences that will help your graduate grow.
11. Stay connected with the VetGDP team – know how to get support when you need it.

For each graduate, the VetGDP programme typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete, though it may take less or more time depending on individual circumstances. The graduate can request an extension by contacting 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].