VDS Recent Graduate Event

When? Friday 6 March 2026

Where? Botanical Gardens, Birmingham

Following the success of our first Recent Graduate Event, we’re delighted to invite vets who have graduated in the last five years to a day of learning and connection set against the beautiful backdrop of Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The day is a chance to meet with the VDS and BVA teams, grow your confidence, and connect with other recently graduated vets.

🌱 Real-life Cautionary Tales: Forget stuffy lectures! Our VDS Claims Consultants will share real-life Cautionary Tales and work through some tricky scenarios.
🌺 Reflect and Grow: Reflect on your time in practice so far and navigate conflicting professional and ethical views whilst staying true to the vet you want to be with VDS Training.
🌿 Turn Incidents into Growth: Explore how you can turn incidents and near misses in practice into positive learning opportunities with our VetSafe team.
🌸 Supportive Q&A: Got more questions? Put them to our VDS and BVA panel in a supportive and open discussion.
🌼 Relax and Connect: Wrap up the day with a refreshing drink in the gardens (weather dependent!)

The VDS Recent Graduate Event 2026 is an opportunity to share experiences, make new friends, and leave feeling more confident.

How to register

Tickets for the event are now available, at the cost of £50 + VAT.

Event Day Programme

☕ 9:00am: Arrive from 9am and soak in the vibes - there will be a warm welcome with hot drinks! We'll kick off at 9.30am and run through how to vote in polls and submit questions for the Q&A.
📖 9:45am: Cautionary Tales LIVE!: Real-life stories brought to life by our expert Claims team.
⚙️ 10:30am: VetSafe: Things don't always go as planned - why might that be?
🔍 11:50am: Case study - Preventing a complaint turning into a claim
🍴 12:45pm – 1:45pm: Lunch
⚙️ 1:45pm: VetSafe: Why should we look back? Curiosity and Culture
📖 2:45pm: Cautionary Tales LIVE! When the Head Teacher asks to see you with Mark Maltman.
🏢 3:15pm: BVA Great Workplaces with Liz Mullineaux
❔ 3:55pm: Q&A Session: Ask away! Our VDS teams and representatives from BVA are here to answer
🍻 5:30pm: Cheers to a day well spent – Drinks reception

Why You'll Love This Event

Last year, our attendees left feeling reassured, inspired, and ready to take on new challenges. Here’s what they had to say:

"Hearing about mistakes from experienced vets and seeing that making mistakes is normal and won't stop you becoming a good vet."
"The Q&A was very good and informative."
"Good advice, judgement-free atmosphere, meeting old friends and new people."
“Loved the day! So very informative and helpful.”
“I wanted to put you all in my pocket to take back to practice for reassurance in the future.”

Join us to grow your confidence, make connections, and leave with new skills to thrive in practice. We can’t wait to see you at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in March 2026!