New vet leaders believe their skills are 'basic', VMG says
Confidence in leadership skills was linked to seniority and role.
Findings from a national survey have sparked concerns about the preparedness of the next generation of veterinary leaders.
Responses to the State of UK Veterinary Leadership Report suggested that as many as 92 per cent of newly promoted veterinary leaders considered their skills to be 'basic'. Forty-seven per cent believed their skills were 'intermediate', whereas only two per cent felt they were 'expert'.
The report is produced annually by the Veterinary Management Group (VMG), with this year's results presented at VMG Congress 2025 on Thursday, 24 April.
Analysis of the survey results revealed that, although the majority of new leaders rated their skills poorly, far fewer principal leaders and senior managers gave their skills this rating. Just four per cent of principal leaders and six per cent of senior managers considered their leadership skills to be 'basic'.
VMG theorised that confidence in leadership skills was therefore increasing as roles became more senior.
Confidence was also closely linked to the role that the leaders worked within. Practice managers were found to be less likely to call their skills 'basic' (25 per cent) compared to other roles (33 per cent). Meanwhile head/senior RVNs were more likely to do call their skills 'basic' (44 per cent).
Those which rated their skills as 'basic' appeared to be less likely to support or challenge others in developing leadership behaviours.
The organisation has also highlighted skill gaps, even among leaders which claimed to have 'advanced' or 'expert' leadership skills. Under 30 per cent of those rating their skills this way demonstrated a limited understanding of essential areas, including strategic planning and business development.
Although leaders generally understood regulatory and legal requirements, a third of respondents indicated little to no understanding of political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental contexts.
There was a strong alignment among leaders with their values, with more than 80 per cent of participants continuously demonstrating key professional behaviours. The value that was expressed least consistently was 'championing diversity', although 82 per cent still stated they did so 'frequently' or 'always'.
Rebecca Robinson, incoming VMG president, said: “This year’s report again highlights the urgent need to equip both current and future leaders with the skills and support they need to thrive.
“While there are encouraging signs of progress, we must act with greater urgency as a profession to embed leadership development at every level - especially for those stepping into leadership roles for the first time.”
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
