Pet Gazette Pet Gazette July 2017 | Page 45

VET GAZETTE | 45 VET NEWS RCVS AND BSAVA WORK TOGETHER ON PDP RESEARCH PROJECT The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are working together to conduct a research project to evaluate the impact of the Professional Development Phase (PDP) on veterinary graduates. The College’s PDP is a period of structured self-assessment, reflection and development designed to assist veterinary graduates in the transition from life as a veterinary student to clinical practice. During the PDP (which should normally last no more than three years after the graduate enters clinical practice) the graduates are supported by a Postgraduate Dean and are expected to keep a record of their clinical cases against a list of clinical skills and procedures as well as reflect on how they are progressing in relation to the PDP Competences. In 2016 BSAVA launched its online PDP Resource Bank, matched to the RCVS competences and created to provide BSAVA graduate members with CPD support as they navigate their way through their first years in practice. Sheldon Middleton, BSAVA honorary treasurer and board sponsor of the BSAVA’s PDP Resource, said: “BSAVA recognised the gap in provision of support material for the professional skills element of the PDP and created the PDP Resource Bank to plug this gap for our members. “We worked with the RCVS to match the resources to the structure of the PDP but also recognised that there was a need for support for employers of new graduates as well. The PDP Resource Bank is growing and has a dedicated editorial board reviewing material for inclusion. This research project will allow us to tailor our resource further and ensure our members are able to access the support they need.” VET NEWS RCVS CEO TO MOVE TO PRINCE’S TRUST ROLE The chief executive of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), Nick Stace, will be leaving the College at the end of summer, having accepted a new role as UK chief executive at The Prince’s Trust. The charity ‘creates life-changing opportunities’ for those aged 11-30 and Nick has long-held a passion for making a difference to young lives. He has set up three charities for young people: with learning disabilities; who want to campaign to change the world; and who want to break down the barriers to enjoying nature and the outdoors. Nick has led the RCVS since September 2012 and has taken the College through a period of great change and modernisation. During his tenure, developments at the College include a new Royal Charter, major governance reform, improved regulation of veterinary nurses, the instigation of Vet Futures, the introduction of the alternative dispute resolution service, significant evolution within the Practice Standards Scheme, the refocusing of RCVS Trust into RCVS Knowledge, the launch of Mind Matters, and the recognition of the College www.vetgazette.biz as a Great Place to Work. Nick Stace said: “It has been a great privilege to be CEO of the College and to work with such amazing staff, such a progressive Council and such a decent and caring profession. “It is no surprise to me that vets and vet nurses are among the most trusted professionals in this country, and in my view this is due to their professionalism and to the excellence of the Royal College in maintaining and advancing standards. “I hope I have played my part in helping the College and the profession navigate through a period of great change and preparation for significant change to come. “At The Prince’s Trust I will be focused on the next generation, helping to give young people the confidence and purpose they need to make a success of their lives and the world around them. “I know from my own personal experiences of school, and the various charities with which I have been involved, how many young people are not given the best chance in life. I cannot think of a better mission to take on.” RCVS president Chris Tufnell commented: “I feel very fortunate to have worked closely with Nick over his five years with the RCVS; he has made a tremendous contribution to the College and our professions. With his energy and drive, he has infused the College with a culture of openness, engagement and dedication and has inspired the team through some impressive achievements. “Nick’s leadership will enab le vets and veterinary nurses to fulfil their potential and it’s fitting that he’s moving on to a role which benefits the lives of others. Meanwhile, there’s a considerable amount of important work being done by the RCVS and I am confident that we have a strong team at Belgravia House to manage this until the new CEO is in post.” July 2017