CVS offers new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion course to the whole veterinary profession
CVS is offering a new ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for All’ course to all veterinary practices in the UK.
Believed to be the first course of its type produced specifically for the veterinary sector, it aims to help educate colleagues about the subject of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and is relevant to anyone working in the veterinary community, including non-clinical staff.
The new course looks at how to create a more inclusive environment for both colleagues and clients. It covers definitions of diversity and inclusion, and investigates the difference between equity and equality – and why this is so important. Learning materials also consider the topics of bias, prejudice, protected characteristics and discrimination – and how colleagues might challenge any non-inclusive behaviours through interactive veterinary context scenarios.
Nimisha Patel-Cook and Claire Dennison, Learning Partner and Employee Experience Lead at CVS, who jointly developed the course, said:
“We want to increase the levels of diversity within the veterinary community, but to achieve and sustain more diverse workforces we know we need to foster inclusive and equitable workplaces. Everyone plays a part in that.
“So we have created this new course and are making it available to any colleague working the veterinary community. In time we hope that it contributes to an inclusive and psychologically safe culture for all within the sector.”
Available from July 2023, CVS’ new course is available to all on its virtual learning environment, Knowledge Hub. It consists of seven bite-sized sections, totalling two hours of learning. Over 600 colleagues within CVS have now enrolled on the course which has received an average of 9.4/10 in answer to the question “How likely is it that you would recommend the course to a friend/ colleague?”
CVS Group operates across small animal, farm animal, equine, laboratories and crematoria, with over 500 veterinary practices and referral centres in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and the Netherlands. In the last five years the company has invested nearly £80 million in its sites, facilities and equipment, in addition to industry leading training and support, to give the best possible care to animals. For more information about careers with CVS Group, visit www.careerswithcvs.co.uk