VDS Recent Graduate Event 2026

“I wanted to put you all in my pocket to take back to practice for reassurance in the future” 

2024 Recent Graduate Event attendee 

• Have you graduated as a vet in the past five years? 
• Do you ever feel unsure about how to handle tricky conversations or clinical dilemmas? 
• Would you like to feel more confident, more connected, and more supported in practice? 

We’re delighted to bring you the VDS Recent Graduate Event, taking place on Friday 6 March 2026 at the stunning Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Whether you’re navigating your first job, facing difficult situations, or want to grow your confidence, this day is about helping you to find your feet – and know you’re not alone. 

This is not just a day of lectures. Expect lively workshops, open conversations, practical tools and shared stories, all in a relaxed and welcoming setting.  

Is this event for me? 

This day is designed for veterinary surgeons who graduated in the last five years and are looking to build their confidence, connect with peers, and develop their professional skills in a safe, supportive environment.  

What will I learn? 

You’ll explore how to: 

• Turn Incidents into Opportunities: Explore how to turn mistakes into positive learning experiences. 
• Communicate with Confidence: Gain insights on how to communicate with confidence in your practice. 
• Navigate Tricky Situations: Work through tricky scenarios and learn how to handle difficult situations gracefully. 
• Avoid Common Pitfalls of Practice: Discover common pitfalls in the life of a practicing vet and how to avoid them. 

What can I expect? 

• An Interactive CPD Day: 7.5 hours CPD from 9.30am to 5pm. 
• Cautionary Tales Live: Our VDS Claims Consultants will share real-life Cautionary Tales and work through some tricky scenarios. 
• Workshops with VDS Training: Dive into clinical scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and gain valuable insights. 
• Turn Incidents into Growth: Discover how you can turn incidents and near misses in practice into learning opportunities for you and your team. 
• Supportive Q&A: A chance to have your questions answered by the VDS, VDS Training, VetSafe and BVA.  
• Relax and Connect: Wrap up the day with a refreshing drink in the gardens (weather dependent!) 
• FREE Digital Delegate Bag: Lots of useful resources, training content, videos and takeaways tailored for graduates from VDS and BVA, to revisit whenever you need.