Members area
This area is for members of the GVS network - it will provide a comprehensive place for all key information that GVS vets should be aware of, from key communications to career development opportunities and requirements.
Opportunities which enable vets to gain broader skills, particularly to support leadership roles, as well as collaborative and shared learning opportunities are important elements of the work of the GVS.
Veterinary skills and expertise framework
The Veterinary Skills and Expertise Framework (PDF 848 KB) aims to support implementation of the Professional Expertise component for Professional Skills in Government (PSG) initiative to create a more professionally focused civil service.
This framework forms just one component of the total picture in organisational talent and learning management and needs to sit alongside the relevant competence frameworks, other PSG core skills –including leadership – requirements and learning and development processes for the individual departments and agencies. The framework is intended to support vets and their managers identify application of their professional skills and expertise.
Continuing Professional Development
As registered members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), all government vets must maintain and continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills, in order to make continuous improvements to delivery of business objectives and in accordance with RCVS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Undertaking CPD helps the individual to keep up to date with the continual changes and developments in knowledge, skills and operating environments. Currently the RCVS recommends a minimum CPD of 105 hours over three years with an average of 35 hours per year.
Veterinary surgeons have a responsibility to ensure that they maintain and continue to develop their professional knowledge and skills. CPD is therefore the personal obligation of all responsible veterinary surgeons and should be seen as the continuous progression of capability and competence.
Delivering Resource in Veterinary Science Expertise (DRiVE)
The DRiVE Strategy sets out an evidence base and framework approach to support future workforce planning activities for the veterinary profession in government.
The CVO has responsibility at an international level to assure national veterinary services in the UK and the DRiVE Strategy outlines some of the key information and approaches to support and promote the veterinary role and contribution in the public sector.
Veterinary Secondments
Discuss your interest with your line manager and identify what your learning objectives are for undertaking a secondment. You may have to go through a formal application process so familiarise yourself with the organisation you are looking to go to.
Ensure the conditions and terms (eg pay arrangements) of any secondment have been agreed up front before committing yourself to the secondment. Examples of recent secondment activities include inter-government placements with VLA, VMD, Animal Health and Defra. External veterinary placements are also in place.
Seconded National Experts to the EU Commission and to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) can be supported by the GVS team. These appointments need to be approved by the CVO and we ensure opportunities are cascaded across the GVS as far as possible. The UK currently has a seconded placement with the OIE.
Looking for a veterinary secondee?
The GVS team is happy to support any team in government looking to place a veterinary secondee for a short or long-term period and can support advertising and advice.
Contact us at gvs@defra.gsi.gov.uk if you want to discuss further.