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 will be available soon, at the cost of £50. In the meantime, you can register your interest using the short form linked below.
What to expect
- Cautionary Tales Live: Real life stories from our member-only VDS Newsletter brought to life by our expert Claims team.
- Talks and Workshops: Leading you through clinical scenarios and ethical dilemmas.
- Q&A Session: A chance to have your questions answered by the VDS, VDS Training, VetSafe and BVA teams.
- A Safe and Supportive Atmosphere: Be part of a safe and supportive day, where you can meet other recent graduates and are welcome to share experiences.
- Relaxing Surroundings and Space to Reflect: While we hope to spend plenty of time together, our venue also has lots of quiet breakaway areas and outside space for when you need a bit of quiet time.
- Drinks Reception: Wrap the day with a refreshing drink and mingle with your peers.
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!
