Disability and Chronic Illness in Veterinary Work and Education

A survey exploring experiences of disability, chronic illness, mental health and neurodiversity in the veterinary sector

This report presents the results of the Disability and Chronic Illness survey conducted by IES on behalf of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support (BVCIS). The survey aimed to gain a better understanding of the experiences of those with a disability/chronic condition who are working in the veterinary sector or currently studying for veterinary qualifications, and the results will form the basis of future research in this field by the RCVS and BVCIS. 

It is clear that the experiences of people with a disability/chronic condition varied enormously across the profession. Some have received good support, underpinned by a knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and perhaps other government support like the Access to Work scheme and experienced a preparedness to make reasonable adjustments, helpful managers and colleagues, and a willingness to involve individuals in discussions about their disability/chronic condition rather than making assumptions or adopting a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Others, however, have encountered patchy knowledge and understanding, an unwillingness to provide support, a lack of urgency in implementing reasonable adjustments or checking on their effectiveness, badly-informed assumptions about their ability to carry out certain tasks, and even hostility and discrimination. 

The impact of comorbidity was very apparent. Of those who reported having disabilities/chronic conditions, only around 12% had one disability/chronic condition; 41% had two and 31% three, and a substantial minority (15%) had four or more. In general, the views of those with only one disability/chronic condition were very similar to those with none; however, as the number of disabilities/chronic conditions increased, views became notably less positive.

When asked to identify barriers and how these could be tackled to make improvements, the suggestions made by respondents fell into several broad themes:

• Improved flexibility with working hours, tasks or role could help to reduce stress or pressure on individuals and enable them to stay in work.
• Simple adjustments to the working environment implemented in a timely manner, such as providing more chairs or different lighting, could often be implemented quickly and without major expenditure.
• A poor understanding of the impact of having a disability/chronic condition while in education or work could be improved by better training, education or knowledge sharing. Information (eg about the legal aspects) needs to be available, accessible and consistent across workplaces and education providers.
• Those with disabilities/chronic conditions need to be included when designing training around the impact of having a disability/chronic condition when working in the veterinary profession, to avoid assumptions and stereotyped views.

Wider issues in the profession that affect everyone disproportionately impact those with disabilities/chronic conditions. This includes staff in clinical veterinary practices, to increased workload pressure, long days, and a fast working pace with little time to rest. This was identified as a barrier to some respondents getting support; as even if the willingness and understanding of needs were present, actions could not always be implemented because people were just too busy. Trying to ‘keep up’ could then lead to an exacerbation of the symptoms of people with a disability/chronic condition and ultimately them leaving the professions.

The full report is accompanied by a summary report and also a standalone infographic summary report. All documents can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.