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Defra should, within six months, commission a sector-wide review, working in partnership with the Royal...
Conclusion
Defra should, within six months, commission a sector-wide review, working in partnership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, veterinary schools, and other major employers and representative bodies, including the British Veterinary Association, to build a robust evidence base on the drivers of retention challenges across the profession. This review should: • establish a consistent, data driven understanding of attrition across different sectors, career stages and geographies; • identify the key factors influencing retention, particularly in shortage areas such as public sector roles and rural practice; 23 • set out targeted, evidence-based interventions to improve retention in these sectors such as incentives, support packages, and career pathways; and • include clear metrics and baseline data for monitoring workforce distribution and attrition rates annually, alongside measurable targets for improvement. (Recommendation, Paragraph 14)
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 11 September 2026. Response attribution to this conclusion has not been verified. Read the response document.
Source
Inquiry
Biosecurity and animal welfare
Report
1st Report - A sustainable veterinary workforce
05 Jun 2026
HC 270
Addressee Bodies
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
05 Jun 2026