Privacy policy

What is VetGDP?

The Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP) is a workplace-based programme to support new graduates in their first role. VetGDP enables new graduates to further develop their professional and clinical capabilities, beyond day one competence level, to the point where they are fully competent, confident and independent veterinary professionals. VetGDP Graduates, with the support of their trained VetGDP Advisers, record and monitor their professional development and progress through the programme using an e-portfolio.

What information does RCVS collect for VetGDP?

  • RCVS Number
  • Name
  • Work Address and Employer details
  • Email address
  • Activities and reflections

How does RCVS collect your data?

Upon logging in, we retrieve the following data on you from the RCVS register:

  • Membership category
  • First and last name
  • Graduation date (if applicable)
  • RCVS number
  • Registration or re-registration date (as appropriate)

In the event of a technical malfunction we will also collect the following data automatically:

  • Information about your device (Make model and operating system)
  • Information about your activity within the app or website
  • Your IP address

We also use an analytics platform to report on how our members use the site. All analytics data is fully anonymised and cannot be attributed to individual users. Analytics data will not be shared with any third parties and will only be used to improve the delivery of our services. If you enable 'Do not track' in your browser or opt-out using the form below, your actions on the site will not be collected for analytics.

Details are collected by a trusted third party to ensure the correct procedures are in place to secure your data and fix any technical issues that arise. This data will be retained for no longer than is necessary.

How long does RCVS retain your VetGDP data?

In order to ensure compliance with our statutory purpose, we will retain your Vet GDP record indefinitely and hold it on a legal obligation basis. After completion if you do wish to have your record anonymised you can make a request to the RCVS.

How do we secure your VetGDP data?

This data is secured using industry-standard mechanisms. All data is encrypted at rest and in transit. Access to RCVS servers and databases is restricted to specific members of staff, and firewalls restrict traffic appropriately.

Your rights

The General Data Protection Regulation provides certain rights for individuals. Please note that you may only use/benefit from these in defined circumstances.

For more information you can check the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) website or contact us using the details in section 10 on this policy. We are committed to upholding these rights, which are as follows:

Request access to your personal data

You have a right to request a copy of the personal data that we hold about you. Please use the contact details at the end of this policy if you would like to exercise this right and view our 'Accessing information policy' for further guidance.

Request correction of your personal data

You have the right to request that we correct the personal data we hold about you, although we may verify the accuracy of the new information you provide to us.

Request 'erasure' of your personal data (The right to be forgotten)

You have the right to request that we delete or remove personal data where there is no good reason for us continuing to process it.

Please note that we may not always be able to comply with your request for erasure if there are specific legal reasons. We will convey these reasons to you once the application is made and assessed.

Object to processing of your personal data

You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data where we are relying on a legitimate interest (or those of a third party), and there is something about your particular situation which makes you want to object to processing on the grounds that it impacts on your fundamental rights and freedoms.

Right to withdraw consent

In circumstances where we are relying on your consent to process your personal data, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. However, this will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before you withdraw your consent.

If you withdraw your consent, we may not be able to provide services to you. We will advise you if this is the case at the time you withdraw your consent.

Right to data portability

In certain circumstances, we will provide to you, or a third party you have chosen, your personal data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format.

Please note that this right only applies to automated data which you initially provided consent for us to use or where we used the data to form a contract with you.

Any queries contact

If you have any queries or concerns then please contact us. If you are unhappy with the way in which we have handled your personal data, please contact us at:

RCVS DPO
Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
3 Waterhouse Square
138-142 Holborn
London
EC1N 2SW

T 020 7222 2001
F 020 7202 0740
rcvs.org.uk

You are entitled to make a complaint to the ICO. For further information, please visit the ICO website.