Reasonable adjustments in veterinary workplaces

The ‘Let’s Talk Adjustments’ campaign launched in February 2025 and is a joint initiative between the RCVS and the Mind Matters Initiative (MMI).

The campaign is specific to the veterinary workplace context and provides a source of information and guidance for organisations in supporting people with different disabilities/conditions and needs.

Further information can be found on our dedicated Reasonable adjustments campaign web page.

Webinar:

This free webinar panel discussion will be held to coincide with conclusion of the ‘Let’s Talk Adjustments’ campaign at the end of July.

The event will commence with a brief overview of campaign insights and learnings before proceeding to a panel discussion with subject matter experts and veterinary professionals with lived experience.

Our panel members will draw upon research and lived experience to discuss the current state of reasonable adjustments in veterinary workplaces, key implications and practical solutions at individual, team and systemic levels, and their perspectives on future direction for reasonable adjustments within the veterinary context.

This webinar is free to attend and can count towards your CPD.

Tickets:

Please note, there are now two ticket types available. You can either book to attend the webinar live or you can register to receive the webinar recording once it is ready. You do not need to register for both, as we will distribute the recording link to those who attend live.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the webinar, delegates will have:

• awareness of key insights and learnings from the ‘Let’s Talk Adjustments’ campaign

• knowledge of reasonable adjustments in veterinary workplaces

• an understanding of good practice and solutions that can be implemented within veterinary working environments

Who is invited to attend:

We would like to invite anyone working within veterinary workplaces – employees in both clinical and non-clinical roles, practice owners, leaders and managers, HR and EDI professionals. 

Webinar Speakers:

Chair:

Angharad Belcher, RCVS Director of Advancement of the Professions

Speaker Panel:

Professor Elinor O’Connor, Occupational Psychologist, Manchester Business School

Elinor O’Connor is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist and Professor of Work Psychology at the University of Manchester’s Business School. Elinor’s research interests include occupational stress and well-being at work, and she has worked with the veterinary profession for a number of years on well-being in veterinary work. Her current research is focused on work demands and well-being in specialist veterinarians.

Dr Jenny Seward MRCVS

Jenny qualified in 2007 and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2014 after being unwell for almost a year.

At her worst, she struggled to walk far and became exhausted quickly, suffered from ‘fibro-fog’ (difficulties with concentration and cognitive problems), and lived with severe fatigue and chronic pain.

Having learnt to manage the symptoms over the last 11 years, and with the initial support of medication, she is now working as a clinical director at a busy 24/7 practice in South Wales, working almost a fulltime week, and managing to maintain a good work-life balance.

Jenny is passionate about making people aware of the difficulties faced by those with chronic conditions, and the small things which can make them feel more included, as well as how to approach reasonable adjustments in a supportive and empathetic manner.

Dr Jo Daniels, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of Bath

Dr Jo Daniels is a Senior Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist at the University of Bath. Her nationally recognised areas of clinical and research expertise include workplace wellbeing and psychological distress in medical problems. Dr Daniels was awarded the Society for Occupational Medicine award for outstanding contribution to research in 2023 in relation to her work in workforce mental health and psychological care pathway development, with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine awarding a prestigious Honorary Fellowship in 2025 for her work in workforce wellbeing and retention. Dr Daniels has extensive experience in research and policy settings, science communication, and subject matter expertise in workforce and mental health.

Charlotte Pace RVN

Charlotte Pace qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2003. In 2010 she passed American veterinary technician exams and has recertified twice since then. Charlotte has taught veterinary nurses on both degree and diploma programmes, and continues to write and lecture on veterinary cardiology. She has been a member of the editorial board for the Veterinary Nurse since 2012.

Charlotte is now a qualified therapeutic counsellor, using an integrative method, and volunteers for the Vetlife helpline Still not ready to give up nursing, she still works weekends in 1st opinion practice. Charlotte was the BVNA President in 2022-23.

Webinar Agenda:

12:30pm - Welcome and introductions

12:35pm - Let's Talk Adjustments campaign - insights and learnings

12:40pm - Panel discussion

1:15pm - Question and answer - opportunity to delegate participation

1:30pm - Summary and close

FAQs

Participation:

We invite participation, welcoming questions and feedback throughout.

What is expected of me during the session?

The session will be interactive, Slido might be used during the session, so please have your phones at the ready to take part.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to submit questions via the chat function on Zoom during the event.

Will the session be recorded?

The session will be recorded.

What happens if I can no longer attend the session?

Please contact the RCVS Events Team on events@rcvs.org,uk to cancel your place.

Delegate questions:

If you would like to ask the Panel or Chair a question, you can submit it during the registration process.