Diversity and Equity in Veterinary Medicine

​​​​​​​Diversity is about empowering people and respecting what makes them different – whether this be their ethnicity, socio-economic background, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental health, or religion.

Inclusion is about putting in place the organisational and systemic conditions that enable a more diverse community. For this to take place within the veterinary profession, we as an institution, profession and community need to make a sustainable concerted effort to increase systemic inclusion.

Only 3% of the UK veterinary profession is non-white (BVA, 2019), despite more than 30% of the ‘working age’ UK population identifying as black, Asian and other ethnic groups (GOV.UK, 2018) - Meanwhile, pet ownership amongst ethnically diverse communities is increasing. It is therefore important that the veterinary profession reflects the wider society that they serve. This means that, ideally, diversity should be reflected not only in the makeup of veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses but also in representative bodies, veterinary governance and other such groups. 

Diversity within the profession would improve customer service, encourage more people to seek veterinary care for their animals and also supports innovation and positive change.

We believe, to achieve equity we have to make sustainable strategic changes to the existing system and provide those who are disadvantaged and under-represented with support to have an equal chance at succeeding.