When? Friday 6 March 2026 Where? The Birmingham Botanical Gardens Fifty recent veterinary graduates joined us for a calm, reflective and supportive day at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Even without much sunshine, the light, greenery and character of the historic Terrace Suite created a relaxed setting from the start, and offered a space where graduates felt comfortable sharing experiences, asking questions, and taking time to think about the realities of early career life in veterinary practice. Throughout the day, we explored real cases, looked at why things don’t always go to plan, talked honestly about complaints, explored career paths, and created space for meaningful conversations with peers and experienced colleagues. Always a favourite, our Claims Consultants brought real VDS cases - along with their own candid stories - to life, transforming them into reassuring, practical learning moments. These honest, often relatable scenarios helped graduates understand how and why things sometimes go off‑track in practice, and why reaching out early for support can make such a difference. Many delegates told us how comforting it was to hear that even the most experienced vets still face challenges, slipups and difficult days. Reflection, Reassurance and Real Conversations
Event Highlights
Cautionary Tales LIVE!
Our VetSafe session explored why errors and near misses occur, and how systems, communication, time pressure, equipment design and workplace culture all influence everyday decision-making. Interactive activities, real examples and medication-error scenarios helped graduates see just how many steps sit behind even “simple” tasks, and how easy it is for small factors to add up. The key message resonated strongly: when things don’t go to plan, it’s rarely due to the actions of a single person – they reflect the systems we work within. Graduates valued learning practical tools for spotting contributory factors, asking curious questions and helping shape safer practice as part of their teams. Liz and Rob shared their wonderfully “squiggly” career paths, offering insight into how careers evolve, how opportunities emerge, and why there’s no single “right” route through the profession. Their content on Good Veterinary Workplaces highlighted the importance of belonging, feeling valued and having role models - all key factors in supporting wellbeing and retention in veterinary teams. Our complaints session gave graduates practical guidance on what to do when a concern is raised, how the VDS supports members throughout the process, and why early communication makes a difference. Delegates said it was helpful to understand what really happens behind the scenes, and to learn that a complaint does not automatically mean a claim or career harm. Understanding Why Things Don't Always Go to Plan, with VetSafe
Exploring the "Squiggly" Career Paths of BVA's Liz Mullineaux & Rob Williams
Handling Complaints and Knowing Who to Contact
Featuring colleagues from VDS, VetSafe and BVA, our Q&A session once again proved a highlight. Graduates appreciated the non-judgemental, open format and the chance to ask about professional, moral and ethical dilemmas. Many said it was reassuring to hear senior vets speak candidly about mistakes, complaints and decision making under pressure. With plenty of breaks and unstructured time, graduates had the chance to share stories, swap experiences, and strengthen their support networks. From conversations over coffee to small-group discussions after sessions, these moments were central to the atmosphere of the day. Attendees told us they particularly valued: A comment that captured the spirit of the day:Supportive Conversations with the Q&A Panel
Connection, Reassurance & Peer Support
What Graduates Found Most Valuable
"It's reassuring to know there are so many people to talk to whenever I'm concerned about something."
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